Obesity
Obesity Incidence in U.S. Children and Young Adults: A Pooled Analysis
Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has risen sharply, yet there is a limited understanding of the age-specific dynamics of obesity as there is no single nationally representative cohort following children into young adulthood. Investigators constructed a pooled data set of 5 nationally representative panels and modeled age-specific obesity incidence from childhood into young adulthood.U.S. Nutrition Assistance Program Participation and Childhood Obesity: The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study 2011
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Free/Reduced Priced Lunch Program; and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children reduce food insecurity for millions of Americans with lower incomes. However, critics have questioned whether they increase obesity. This study examined whether program participation was associated with BMI z-score from kindergarten to fifth grade.Obesity Prevalence Among U.S. Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, several studies collected small and relatively homogenous samples to track U.S. adult obesity rates and obesity-related risk factors. In this study, a much larger sample from a nationally representative survey was used to investigate changes in average BMI, obesity prevalence rates, and 4 obesity-related risk factors in the U.S. adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Interplay of Race/Ethnicity and Obesity on the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism
Factors predisposing asymptomatic individuals within the community to venous thromboembolism are not fully understood. This study characterizes the incidence and determinants of venous thromboembolism among the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort with a focus on race/ethnicity and obesity.Racial Inequities in Birth Weight by Maternal Age Among College-Educated Mothers: The Role of Early Disadvantage
Non-Hispanic Black infants experience disproportionately high risks of low birth weight compared with non-Hispanic White infants, particularly among mothers with high educational attainment and greater socioeconomic advantage. This study investigates how maternal early-life disadvantage contributes to ongoing racial birth weight inequities among U.S. college‒educated mothers, specifically declining birth weights with age among non-Hispanic Black mothers.Effects of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program: An RCT
In light of the need to expand the reach and access of clinically proven digital Diabetes Prevention Programs (d-DPPs) and the need for rigorous evidence of effectiveness, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a digital Diabetes Prevention Program for improving weight, HbA1c, and cardiovascular risk factors among people with prediabetes compared to enhanced standard care plus waitlist control.Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Treatment Among Hispanics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The rates of pediatric obesity in the U.S. are highest among Hispanics. There is no existing meta-analysis of the effects of obesity interventions among Hispanic youth. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the effects of obesity prevention and treatment interventions on Hispanic youth's weight status and lifestyle behaviors.A Theory of Change for Community-Based Systems Interventions to Prevent Obesity
Applying systems science in public health trials is a recent innovation in childhood obesity prevention. This paper aims to use systems science conventions to propose a theory of change for community-based interventions aiming to build capacity and use exemplars from systems science for obesity prevention to describe how this approach works.Advancing Measurement to Address Childhood Obesity: Results of 3 Workshops
This paper arises from a series of workshops held by the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR)1 and summarizes priorities and next steps for enhancing measurement tools and advancing the incorporation of high-quality measurement for surveillance, epidemiology, and intervention research aimed at accelerating progress in addressing the childhood obesity epidemic. It is intended to stimulate and inform new research on diverse aspects of childhood obesity among researchers and those who plan research initiatives.Childhood Abuse–Related Weight Gain: An Investigation of Potential Resilience Factors
Childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are linked to adult obesity, and little is known about what protective factors might mitigate this association.Equitability of Individual and Population Interventions to Reduce Obesity: A Modeling Study in Mexico
Modeling studies have estimated the potential impact and cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce obesity; few have focused on their equity across socioeconomic groups. This study aims to compare the equitability of individual- and population-level interventions to reduce obesity in Mexico.Gestational Diabetes and Overweight/Obesity: Analysis of Nulliparous Women in the U.S., 2011–2019
The rates of gestational diabetes mellitus are increasing in parallel with the rates of overweight and obesity. This analysis examines nationwide trends in the population-attributable fraction for gestational diabetes mellitus associated with prepregnancy overweight and obesity.COVID-19 Leads to Accelerated Increases in Children's BMI z-Score Gain: An Interrupted Time-Series Study
The COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted children's weight status owing to the closure of schools, increased food insecurity and reliance on ultraprocessed foods, and reduced opportunities for outdoor activity.The Impact of a Lifestyle Intervention on Postpartum Weight Retention Among At-Risk Hispanic Women
This study assesses the impact of a culturally modified, motivationally targeted, individually tailored intervention on postpartum weight retention among Hispanic women with abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy.Exposure to Weight Management Counseling Among Students at 8 U.S. Medical Schools
Clinical guidelines support physician intervention consistent with the Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange framework for adults who have obesity. However, weight management counseling curricula vary across medical schools. It is unknown how frequently students receive experiences in weight management counseling, such as instruction, observation, and direct experience.Seasonal Variability in Weight Gain Among American Indian, Black, White, and Hispanic Children: A 3.5-Year Study
Several studies have reported that children gain more weight during the summer season. Despite high obesity rates, little research has included American Indian/Alaskan Native children, and few studies have been longitudinal. This observational study examines seasonal weight variability over 3.5 years among ethnically diverse children, including 2,184 American Indian/Alaskan Native children.Use of Machine Learning to Determine the Information Value of a BMI Screening Program
Childhood obesity continues to be a significant public health issue in the U.S. and is associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes. A number of states have implemented school-based BMI screening programs. However, these programs have been criticized for not being effective in improving students’ BMI or reducing childhood obesity. One potential benefit, however, of screening programs is the identification of younger children at risk of obesity as they age.Effectiveness of a Group-Based Lifestyle Change Program Versus Usual Care: An Electronic Health Record, Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Translational lifestyle change programs for community and clinical settings have been available for a decade, yet there are limited data on their comparative effectiveness. This study examines the effectiveness of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–aligned lifestyle change program relative to usual care in clinical practice.Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for Individuals With Impaired Mobility: Outcomes for 6-Month RCT and Combined Groups at 12 Months
This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention adapted for people with impaired mobility.Smoking Cessation, Weight Change, Diabetes, and Hypertension in Korean Adults
This study investigates the association of smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.Results of a Family-Based Intervention Promoting Healthy Weight Strategies in Overweight Hispanic Adolescents and Parents: An RCT
Hispanic adolescents in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity compared with their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. This study examines the efficacy of an evidence-based family intervention adapted to target obesity-related outcomes among Hispanic adolescents who were overweight/obese compared with prevention as usual.Identification of Measurement Needs to Prevent Childhood Obesity in High-Risk Populations and Environments
Children at highest obesity risk include those from certain racial/ethnic groups, from low-income families, with disabilities, or living in high-risk communities. However, a 2013 review of the National Collaborative for Childhood Obesity Research Measures Registry identified few measures focused on children at highest obesity risk. The objective is to (1) identify individual and environmental measures of diet and physical activity added to the Measures Registry since 2013 used among high-risk populations or settings and (2) describe methods for their development, adaptation, or validation.Measuring Structural Racism and Its Association With BMI
Structural racism has attracted increasing interest as an explanation for racial disparities in health, including differences in adiposity. Structural racism has been measured most often with single-indicator proxies (e.g., housing discrimination), which may leave important aspects of structural racism unaccounted for. This paper develops a multi-indicator scale measuring county structural racism in the U.S. and evaluates its association with BMI.Prevalence and Management of Adult Obesity in a Large U.S. Academic Health System
Both medication and surgical interventions can be used to treat obesity, yet their use and effectiveness in routine clinical practice are not clear. This study sought to characterize the prevalence and management of patients with obesity within a large U.S. academic medical center.Provider Advice and Patient Perceptions on Weight Across Five Health Systems
To improve the management of overweight and obesity in the primary care setting, an analysis of patient perceptions of weight status and predictors of weight loss attempts for those with overweight and obesity is needed.Adding Financial Incentives to Online Group-Based Behavioral Weight Control: An RCT
Internet-delivered behavioral weight control is promising for expanding the reach and availability of weight management, but online programs produce lower weight losses than typically achieved in person. Financial incentives have been shown to increase weight losses. This study examined whether adding financial incentives for self-monitoring and achieving target weight losses increases weight losses attained in a fully online, group-based behavioral weight management program compared with the same program alone.Recent Trends in Junk Food Intake in U.S. Children and Adolescents, 2003–2016
In the U.S., there is no consensus of how to define junk food. Strict regulations on what constitutes junk food denoted by front-of-package labels can serve as the basis for statutory actions. Chile was the first country to adopt this approach, and several countries have followed suit. This study examined the proportion of calories and nutrients of concern consumed by U.S. children and adolescents defined as junk food using the Chilean label criteria and the changes between 2003 and 2016.Obesity and Incident Prescription Opioid Use in the U.S., 2000–2015
Prior studies have identified associations between obesity and numerous conditions that increase risks for chronic pain. However, the impact of obesity on prescription opioid use is not well known. This study investigates the association between obesity and incidence of long-term prescription opioid use.Effect of an Intervention for Obesity and Depression on Patient-Centered Outcomes: An RCT
An integrated collaborative care intervention was successful for treating comorbid obesity and depression. The effect of the integrated intervention on secondary outcomes of quality of life and psychosocial functioning were examined, as well as whether improvements in these secondary outcomes were correlated with improvements in the primary outcomes of weight and depressive symptoms.Reducing Both Food Insecurity and Excess Body Weight in Costa Rican Women: A Cluster Randomized Trial
The coexistence of food insecurity and excess body weight has been well documented in women. Both food insecurity and excess body weight have multiple consequences for physical and mental health. Concerns have been raised about interventions aimed to reduce food insecurity because these interventions might contribute to excess body weight, particularly in adult women. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to simultaneously reduce food insecurity and body weight through alleviating discouragement—which women described as feeling sad, depressed, hopeless, and lacking drive to do important activities, such as finding a job or studying more—by increasing women's empowerment.Weight Gain of Service Members After Basic Military Training
Despite weight and fitness requirements, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the U.S. military approaches that in the general population. The purpose of this study is to assess trends in anthropometric measurements shortly after military enlistment.Early Weight Loss and Treatment Response: Data From a Lifestyle Change Program in Clinical Practice
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model for the early identification of nonresponders to a 12-month lifestyle change program in clinical practice.Longitudinal Trends and Risk Factors for Obesity Among Immigrants in Massachusetts
Little is known about the longitudinal trends and factors associated with obesity and overweight among U.S. immigrants and ethnic minorities.A Methodologic Systematic Review of Mobile Health Behavior Change Randomized Trials
Mobile health helps providers offer accessible, affordable, tailored behavior change interventions. However, research assessing mobile health interventions may feature methodologic shortcomings and poor reporting. This review aims to summarize the characteristics, methods, and intervention reporting of RCTs evaluating mobile health behavior change interventions.Sugary Drink Consumption Among Children by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Status
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest U.S. federally funded nutrition assistance program, providing food assistance to more than 40 million low-income Americans, half of whom are children. This paper examines trends in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among U.S. children and adolescents by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation status.Trends in Preventive Visits Among U.S. Youth Where Weight and Height Were Recorded: 2005–2016
In the U.S., 18.5% of youth aged 2–19 years have obesity.1 Since 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended measurement of weight and height at each preventive visit for all children and adolescents to screen for obesity; current guidelines apply to those aged ≥2 years.2–4Sensitive Periods for the Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and BMI
Although previous research has suggested a positive association between child maltreatment and BMI over the life course, it is unclear when this develops.Cluster Randomized Trial for Hypertension Control: Effect on Lifestyles and Body Weight
Lifestyle modification, such as healthy diet habits, regular physical activity, and maintaining a normal body weight, must be prescribed to all hypertensive individuals. This study aims to test whether a multicomponent intervention is effective in improving lifestyle and body weight among low-income families.Alcohol Use Among U.S. Adults by Weight Status and Weight Loss Attempt: NHANES, 2011–2016
Past research examining the relationship between alcohol use and weight status has not differentiated among classes of obesity. There is limited research investigating whether adults trying to lose weight consume less alcohol.Association of Clinician Behaviors and Weight Change in School-Aged Children
This study uses clinical practice data to determine whether recommended weight management clinician behaviors are associated with weight status improvement in children aged 6–12 years who are overweight or obese.The Impact of Following Solid Food Feeding Guides on BMI Among Infants: A Simulation Study
There are several recommendations advising caregivers when and how to introduce solid food to infants. These complementary feeding guides vary in terms of the recommendations for timing and portions. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of following different guidelines on weight trajectories of infants.Frequent Nutritional Feedback, Personalized Advice, and Behavioral Changes: Findings from the European Food4Me Internet-Based RCT
This study tested the hypothesis that providing personalized nutritional advice and feedback more frequently would promote larger, more appropriate, and sustained changes in dietary behavior as well as greater reduction in adiposity.Mobile Health Applications in Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Weight management is an effective strategy for controlling chronic disease and maintaining physical health, and research on this topic has risen dramatically over the past four decades. The present systematic literature review aimed to identify existing evidence on the efficacy of mobile health technology in facilitating weight management behaviors, such as healthy food consumption and physical activity.Accuracy of Self-Reported Height, Weight, and BMI Over Time in Emerging Adults
Self-reported height and weight may lead to inaccurate estimates of associations between BMI and health indicators. The purpose of this study is to assess anthropometric misreporting in emerging adults, compare weight classification by self-reported and direct measures, and examine associations of self-reported and direct measures with cardiometabolic biomarkers.The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Child Weight Status: A Review
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food assistance program that helps Americans afford a healthy diet. However, its influence on children's weight status is unclear. This review examined the evidence of the relationship between SNAP participation and child weight.Long-Term Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Intervention: A Pragmatic Community Trial to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle education on primary prevention of metabolic syndrome in a middle-income country.Associations Between Unhealthy Weight-Loss Strategies and Depressive Symptoms
There appears to be a link between weight loss and improved mental health, but less is known about how using unhealthy weight-loss strategies impacts the odds of reporting depression.BMI, Physical Inactivity, and Pap Test Use in Asian Women in the U.S.
In the U.S., limited epidemiologic studies have investigated associations between BMI and physical inactivity and Pap test use among Asian women. The aim was to disentangle associations using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2014 and 2016.Systematic Review of Natural Experiments for Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control
The National Academy of Medicine recommends childhood obesity prevention efforts making healthier options the passive choice. This review evaluated the effectiveness of population-level policies and programs from natural experiments for childhood obesity prevention.Implementing School-Based Policies to Prevent Obesity: Cluster Randomized Trial
Healthier school environments can benefit students, and school wellness policies may result in meaningful enhancements. Schools participating in federal child nutrition programs must implement wellness policies as mandated by law. The primary study objective is to assess effectiveness of implementing school-based nutrition and physical activity policies on student BMI trajectories.Screening and Referral for Childhood Obesity: Adherence to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends clinicians screen children aged 6 years or older for obesity and offer or refer children with obesity to intensive weight management programs. This study explores clinician awareness of weight management programs meeting the recommendation, adherence to the recommendation of screening and referral, and associations between provider and practice characteristics and weight management program referrals.Addressing Eating Disorders and Body Dissatisfaction in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
Despite a growing body of literature demonstrating higher prevalence of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), interventions tailored to address these problems in SGM youth are lacking.1–3 As with many other behavioral and physical health disparities in SGM populations, disordered eating and shape control may occur in response to common experiences of discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and are influenced by sociocultural norms.Students’ Report of Preceptor Weight Management Counseling at Eight U.S. Medical Schools
Primary care providers, using brief counseling, can help patients increase motivation to initiate or maintain weight loss, improve diet, and increase physical activity. However, no prior studies have examined the degree to which primary care preceptors, who are responsible for mentoring medical students during their core clerkships, provide clinical teaching regarding weight management counseling.Effectiveness of an App and Provider Counseling for Obesity Treatment in Primary Care
Obesity treatment is less successful for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, particularly when delivered in primary care. Digital health strategies can extend the reach of clinical obesity treatments to care settings serving patients at highest risk.Impact of Public Health Interventions on Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: A Simulation Study
Little is known about what interventions worked or did not work in slowing the obesity epidemic. The long-term comparative effectiveness of environmental and behavioral public health interventions for obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention over an individual's life course is relatively unexplored. The potential impact and long-term collective effectiveness of environmental and behavioral interventions on obesity and type 2 diabetes throughout the life course was evaluated.Sexual Minority Status and Adolescent Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Weight Status
This study examined sexual orientation differences in eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight status among adolescents in the U.S. Moreover, this study tested whether parental and peer influences contribute to sexual orientation disparities in adolescent eating behaviors, physical activity, BMI, and examined disparities in weight misperception.Substance Use and Obesity Trajectories in African Americans Entering Adulthood
The transition to adulthood can be stressful for minority adolescents, and many may cope through unhealthy behaviors, including substance use and obesity-related behaviors. This study tested substance use and obesity trajectories over time in African American youth, longitudinal associations of trajectories with mental and physical health in adulthood, and whether self-control and sex predict trajectories.Measure, Record, Share: Weight Loss, Biometrics, and Self-Tracking in the U.S.
“Tell loudly and frequently to all your friends that you realize that it is unpatriotic to be fat.”1—L.H. Peters, Diet and Health: With Key to the Calories, 1918.Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet and Activity to Limit Gestational Weight: Maternal Offspring Metabolics Family Intervention Trial, a Technology Enhanced Randomized Trial
Technology-enhanced antenatal diet and lifestyle intervention could prevent excess gestational weight gain and benefit mother and child.Chronic Noise Exposure and Adiposity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Noise is a key environmental stressor affecting millions of people worldwide on a daily basis. Chronic exposure to noise may elevate the risk of adiposity through sleep deprivation and heightened stress level.Adolescent Weight and Electronic Vapor Product Use: Comparing BMI-Based With Perceived Weight Status
This study examined the associations of BMI-based and perceived body weight status with electronic vapor product use, cigarette smoking, and dual use among U.S. adolescents.Eating, Activity, and Weight-related Problems From Adolescence to Adulthood
Determining the population-based scope and stability of eating, activity, and weight-related problems is critical to inform interventions. This study examines: (1) the prevalence of eating, activity, and weight-related problems likely to influence health; and (2) the trajectories for having at least one of these problems during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.The Voices for Healthy Kids and State Legislation to Prevent Childhood Obesity: An Update
The purpose of this study is to examine general time trends in childhood obesity legislative activity in all 50 states (overall and by health equity focus) and whether the Voices for Healthy Kids Campaign (Voices) was associated with increased legislative activity.The Impact of U.S. Free Trade Agreements on Calorie Availability and Obesity: A Natural Experiment in Canada
Globalization via free trade and investment agreements is often implicated in the obesity pandemic. Concerns center on how free trade and investment agreements increase population exposure to unhealthy, high-calorie diets, but existing studies preclude causal conclusions. Few studies of free trade and investment agreements and diets isolated their impact from confounding changes, and none examined any effect on caloric intake, despite its critical role in the etiology of obesity. This study addresses these limitations by analyzing a unique natural experiment arising from the exceptional circumstances surrounding the implementation of the 1989 Canada–U.S.Systematic Review of Behavioral Weight Management Program MOVE! for Veterans
Since 2006, the Veterans Health Administration has delivered a population-based behavioral weight management program (MOVE!) to Veterans, which numerous studies have examined. The purpose of this study was to systematically review these studies to understand MOVE! participation rates and the association between MOVE! participation and weight change.Research on Childhood Obesity: Building the Foundation for a Healthier Future
Childhood obesity has risen to epidemic levels in our nation, with serious health consequences. Children with obesity face a heightened risk for many serious and chronic health conditions during their youth, including type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes, for example, was once a disease of older adults, but, fueled by obesity, now increasingly strikes teens and younger children. Even more alarmingly, this disease is more aggressive and difficult to treat in young people, putting them at risk for a lifetime of devastating complications.Developing a Partnership for Change: The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research
Rising obesity rates in the U.S. over the past several decades, particularly among children and adolescents, led to an increased focus on research addressing obesity prevention and public- and private-sector initiatives on healthy eating and physical activity. Groups conducting prevention initiatives recognized that their ability to achieve and sustain cross-sector environmental, policy, and systems-level solutions was hampered by limited evidence in those areas. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIH, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation began to discuss forming a partnership that could accelerate progress to prevent childhood obesity by coordinating research and evaluation agendas and collaboratively building an evidence base.A National Collaborative for Building the Field of Childhood Obesity Research
Rising rates of childhood obesity over the past 2 decades have spurred a number of public- and private-sector initiatives aimed at halting or even reversing this trend. Recognizing common interests in this issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIH, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation began conversations about creating a formal collaboration aimed at accelerating efforts to address childhood obesity by coordinating research agendas and providing support for evidence-building activities.A Randomized Trial of Weight Change in a National Home Visiting Program
Clinical trials have demonstrated significant impact in reducing weight and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the intensity of these trials limits their scalability to real world settings. The purpose of this study was to embed a lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese mothers within the routine practice of a parent education, home visiting organization.Effects of Before-School Physical Activity on Obesity Prevention and Wellness
The effects of Build Our Kids Success—a 12-week, 1-hour before-school physical activity program—on BMI and social–emotional wellness among kindergarten to eighth grade students was examined.Evaluation of Medicare’s Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity: the BieneStar Experience
In 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began to reimburse primary care providers for intensive behavior therapy for obesity. This study evaluated a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services intensive behavior therapy for obesity program as implemented in primary care clinics.BMI and Central Obesity With Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
This study examined the associations of BMI category and central obesity status, with falls among community-dwelling older adults in the U.S.Sugar-Sweetened Beverage and Water Intake in Relation to Diet Quality in U.S. Children
Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major contributor to children’s added sugar consumption. This study examines whether children’s SSB and water intakes are associated with diet quality and total energy intake.Small Incentives Improve Weight Loss in Women From Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Women from lower-income backgrounds have the highest rates of obesity. Thus, effective programs for this high-risk population are urgently needed. Evidence suggests that adding financial incentives to treatment helps to engage and promote health behavior change in lower-income populations; however, this has never been tested in women for obesity treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine whether adding small financial incentives to Internet weight loss treatment yields better weight loss outcomes in women from lower-income backgrounds compared with the same treatment without incentives.Changes in Sitting Time and Cardiovascular Mortality in Older Adults
Prolonged sitting time has demonstrated consistent associations with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, but most previous studies have analyzed these associations assessing sitting time at one single point and providing scarce evidence on causal links. The main objective of this study was to analyze the association of 2-year changes in sitting time with subsequent long-term cardiovascular disease mortality in older adults.Higher-Calorie Menu Items Eliminated in Large Chain Restaurants
Large chain restaurants have reduced calories in their new menu items. No research has examined the calorie content of items eliminated from these menus.Fifteen-year Weight and Disordered Eating Patterns Among Community-based Adolescents
The current study aims to characterize weight-change trajectories and their concomitant associations with prospectively measured dieting and other disordered eating behaviors among initially nonoverweight adolescents during the transition to adulthood.Weight Status and Cigarette and Electronic Cigarette Use in Adolescents
Research shows that adolescents who are overweight or obese may be at greater risk of cigarette smoking, and that this relationship may vary by gender. However, this relationship is understudied for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Given the high rate of adolescent obesity and the rise in e-cigarette use in adolescents, this relationship should be investigated.Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Adiposity: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Associations in CARDIA
Higher sedentary time (ST) and lower moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) have each been associated with greater adiposity, but most studies are cross-sectional and measure ST and MVPA by self-report. This study evaluated associations between objective ST and MVPA with current and 5-year changes in BMI and waist circumference.Reach and Effectiveness of the National Diabetes Prevention Program for Young Women
Reducing obesity and diabetes risks among women of child-bearing age is urgently needed to halt the transgenerational cycle of disease. Interventions among pregnant women have largely been ineffective and may be initiated too late to improve maternal and child health. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a widely disseminated lifestyle intervention that may help mitigate risks before pregnancy. However, the program has targeted relatively older adults, and effectiveness among women of child-bearing age remains largely unknown.Childhood Maltreatment and BMI Trajectory: The Mediating Role of Depression
Childhood maltreatment is associated with later obesity, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which depression mediates the associations between childhood maltreatment and BMI in adolescence through adulthood.Prevalence and Trends in Lifetime Obesity in the U.S., 1988–2014
Estimates of obesity prevalence based on current BMI are an important but incomplete indicator of the total effects of obesity on a population.Utilization of Away-From-Home Food Establishments, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Dietary Pattern, and Obesity
Eating meals away from home has been associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods and increased body weight. However, more rigorous assessment of the contribution of different types of away-from-home food establishments to overall diet quality and obesity is minimal. This study examined usage of these food establishments, accordance to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern and obesity status in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United Kingdom.Maternal Prepregnancy Weight and Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes
This study investigated associations between maternal prepregnancy BMI and child behaviors at ages 9–11 years and examine interaction by race and gender.Community Policies and Programs to Prevent Obesity and Child Adiposity
Evidence regarding impact of community policies and programs (CPPs) to prevent child obesity is limited, and which combinations of strategies and components are most important is not understood. The Healthy Communities Study was an observational study to assess relationships of characteristics and intensity of CPPs with adiposity, diet, and physical activity in children, taking advantage of variation across the U.S. in community actions to prevent child obesity. The study examined the association of CPPs to prevent child obesity with measured BMI and waist circumference, hypothesizing that communities with more-comprehensive CPPs would have children with lower adiposity.Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Hispanic Youth: A Systematic Review of Lifestyle Interventions
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in youth has increased rapidly in recent decades along with rises in childhood obesity. Disparities in risk and prevalence of T2DM are evident in Hispanic youth when compared with non-Hispanic whites. Targeted diabetes prevention programs have been recommended to reduce risk prior to adulthood in this population. This systematic review explores the effectiveness of lifestyle-based diabetes prevention interventions for Hispanic youth.A 2-Year Holistic Health and Stress Intervention: Results of an RCT in Clergy
This study sought to determine the effect of a 2-year, multicomponent health intervention (Spirited Life) targeting metabolic syndrome and stress simultaneously.Intersectionality: An Understudied Framework for Addressing Weight Stigma
Obesity is an ongoing public health concern in the U.S. Weight stigma is linked to a number of obesogenic health outcomes, which complicate obesity treatment and prevention. Despite higher rates of obesity in female and minority populations, little research has examined weight stigma in non-white women and men. This study investigated intersectionality in weight stigma and health-related coping responses to stigmatizing experiences across racial groups.Heavy Drinking in Young Adulthood Increases Risk of Transitioning to Obesity
Heavy episodic alcohol use during young adulthood may contribute to excess weight gain and transition from healthy weight to overweight/obesity. This study is the first to evaluate the association between heavy episodic drinking during early adulthood and transition to overweight/obese status 5 years later using data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.A Systematic Review of Obesity Disparities Research
A review of interventions addressing obesity disparities could reveal gaps in the literature and provide guidance on future research, particularly for populations with a high prevalence of obesity and obesity-related cardiometabolic risk.Lifestyle Interventions in Preschool Children: A Meta-analysis of Effectiveness
With healthy behaviors becoming established in the preschool years, intervening with preschool children to assist them in establishing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a long-term healthy weight is critical. To optimize future intervention designs, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the effects of lifestyle interventions on BMI among preschool children and explore potential intervention moderators.National Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Obese Adults
Obesity is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly among men. The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence of guideline-adherent CRC screening among obese adults using nationally representative data, assess trends in screening strategies, and identify obesity-specific screening barriers.Community Audit of Social, Civil, and Activity Domains in Diverse Environments (CASCADDE)
There are currently no direct observation environmental audit tools that measure diverse aspects of the obesity-related environment efficiently and reliably in a variety of geographic settings. The goal was to develop a new instrument to reliably characterize the overall properties and features of rural, suburban, and urban settings along multiple dimensions. The Community Audit of Social, Civil, and Activity Domains in Diverse Environments (CASCADDE) is an iPad-based instrument that incorporates GPS coordinates and photography and comprises 214 items yielding seven summary indices.Smoking Habits and Body Weight Over the Adult Lifespan in Postmenopausal Women
The inter-relationships between smoking habits and weight gain are complex. However, few studies have examined the association of smoking habits with weight gain over the life course.The Longitudinal Impact of NFL PLAY 60 Programming on Youth Aerobic Capacity and BMI
The NFL PLAY 60 campaign has actively promoted physical activity and healthy eating in youth through programs such as the PLAY 60 Challenge and Fuel Up to PLAY 60. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of NFL PLAY 60 programming on longitudinal trajectories of youth aerobic capacity and BMI.Comparative Effectiveness of Wellness Programs: Impact of Incentives on Healthcare Costs for Obese Enrollees
Employee wellness programs show mixed effectiveness results. This study examined the impact of an insurer’s lifestyle modification program on healthcare costs of obese individuals.Interactive Effects of Aerobic Fitness, Strength, and Obesity on Mortality in Men
Low aerobic fitness, low muscular strength, and obesity have been associated with premature mortality, but their interactive effects are unknown. This study examined interactions among these common, modifiable factors, to help inform more-effective preventive interventions.Multilevel Interventions Targeting Obesity: Research Recommendations for Vulnerable Populations
The origins of obesity are complex and multifaceted. To be successful, an intervention aiming to prevent or treat obesity may need to address multiple layers of biological, social, and environmental influences.Technology- and Phone-Based Weight Loss Intervention: Pilot RCT in Women at Elevated Breast Cancer Risk
For women with an increased breast cancer risk, reducing excess weight and increasing physical activity are believed to be important approaches for reducing their risk. This study tested a weight loss intervention that combined commercially available technology-based self-monitoring tools with individualized phone calls.Geography of Adolescent Obesity in the U.S., 2007−2011
Obesity remains a significant threat to the current and long-term health of U.S. adolescents. The authors developed county-level estimates of adolescent obesity for the contiguous U.S., and then explored the association between 23 conceptually derived area-based correlates of adolescent obesity and ecologic obesity prevalence.
