The role of eating behavior traits in mediating genetic susceptibility to obesity

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several genes associated with obesity. The mechanisms through which these genes affect body weight are not fully characterized. Recent studies suggest that eating behavior (EB) traits could be involved, but only a few EB traits were investigated.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to obesity is mediated by EB traits (cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger) and their subscales. We hypothesized that EB traits, and their subscales, partly mediate this association.

Design

Adult individuals (n = 768) who participated in the Quebec Family Study were included in this cross-sectional study. A genetic risk score (GRS) of obesity was calculated based on the 97 genetic variants recently identified in a GWAS meta-analysis of body mass index (BMI). EB traits and their subscales were assessed with the use of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Regression analyses with age and sex as covariates were used to investigate the associations between GRS, EB traits, BMI, and WC and whether the association between GRS and obesity is mediated by EB traits, which represents the indirect effect of GRS on obesity.

Results

The GRS of obesity was positively associated with BMI (β = 0.19 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) and WC (β = 0.46 ± 0.10, P < 0.0001). Regression analyses also revealed that the association between GRS of obesity and BMI was partly mediated by disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger (βindirect = 0.09 ± 0.03, P = 0.0007, and βindirect = 0.04 ± 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively). Habitual and situational susceptibility to disinhibition (βindirect = 0.08 ± 0.03, P = 0.002 and βindirect = 0.05 ± 0.02, P = 0.003, respectively) as well as internal and external locus of hunger (βindirect = 0.03 ± 0.02, P = 0.03 for both) were also found to mediate the association between GRS of obesity and BMI. The same trends were observed with WC.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the genetic susceptibility to obesity is partly mediated through undesirable EB traits, which suggests that they could be targeted in obesity treatment and prevention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03355729.

A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Interventions in Individuals with Binge Eating Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our systematic review aims to assess the overall evidence available in the literature regarding the role of physical activity (PA) in individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) and better understand the potential underlying mechanisms of action.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, the most effective and well-established psychological treatment for BED is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a remission rate around 80%. CBT is sometimes combined with pharmacotherapy targeting comorbidities associated with BED, such as obesity and depression. Another avenue of treatment that has been less studied is PA. It has been suggested that PA addresses the underlying mechanisms of BED and, thus, increases treatment efficiency. This systematic review provides additional knowledge concerning the benefits of PA in the treatment of individuals with BED including reduction of binge eating (BE) episodes and improvement in other associated comorbidities. Potential mechanisms of action of PA include neurochemical alterations affecting the reward system, reduction of negative affect, and its anorexigenic effects.

The impact of an innovative web-based school nutrition intervention to increase fruits and vegetables and milk and alternatives in adolescents: a clustered randomized trial

Background

The increase in overweight and obesity in adolescents and its health-related consequences highlight the need to develop strategies, which could help them adopt healthy eating habits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an innovative web-based school nutrition intervention (Team Nutriathlon) aimed at promoting the consumption of vegetables and fruit (V/F) and milk and alternatives (M/A) in high school students and to identify facilitators and/or barriers influencing its success.

Methods

Ten classes of first and second year secondary students (grades 7 and 8) from the Québec City region were randomized into two groups (control n = 89 and intervention n = 193). Participants in the intervention (Team Nutriathlon) were to increase their consumption of V/F and M/A using an innovative web-based platform, developed for this study, over 6 weeks. The control group followed the regular school curriculum. The number of servings of V/F and M/A consumed by students per day was compared between the two groups before, during, immediately after and 10 weeks after the intervention using a web-based platform. Main outcome measures included V/F and M/A servings and facilitators and/or barriers of program success. Repeated measures linear fixed effects models were used to assess the impact of Team Nutriathlon on V/F and M/A consumption. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Students in the intervention reported a significant increase of 3 servings and 1.8 servings per day of V/F and M/A, respectively, compared to the control group (P < 0.05); however, this was only observed in the short-term. Some factors contributing to the success of Team Nutriathlon included the team aspect of the program, use of the technology and recording results outside of classroom hours.

Conclusion

Team Nutriathlon represents an innovative web-based nutrition program which positively impacts V/F and M/A consumption among high school students. Using web-based or technological platforms may help youth adopt healthy eating habits that will have implications later in adulthood; however, further studies are needed to determine their long-term effects.

Trial registration

NCT03117374 (retrospectively registered).

Evaluation of a Theory-Based Intervention Aimed at Reducing Intention to Use Restrictive Dietary Behaviors Among Adolescent Female Athletes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention to reduce the intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight among adolescent female athletes involved in aesthetic sports.

DESIGN

Cluster-randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Aesthetic sport teams of adolescent female athletes aged 12-17 years.

PARTICIPANTS

Two teams (n = 37 athletes) in the intervention group and 3 teams (n = 33) in the comparison group.

INTERVENTIONS

The 2 groups received nutrition education during 3 weekly 60-minute sessions. The intervention group was further exposed to a theory-based intervention targeting the specific determinant of intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight, namely attitude.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Difference over time between groups in intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight and in nutrition knowledge.

ANALYSIS

Mixed models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

The theory-based intervention contributed to maintaining a low intention of using restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight over time in the intervention group compared with the comparison group (P < .03). Nutrition knowledge score increased equally in both groups.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Complementing nutrition education with theory-based behavior change intervention may help maintain a low intention of using restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight among female high school athletes involved in aesthetic sports.

Food group preferences and energy balance in moderately obese postmenopausal women subjected to brisk walking program

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a 16-week walking program on food group preferences and energy balance of sedentary, moderately obese (body mass index, 29-35 kg/m(2)), postmenopausal Caucasian women, aged 60 ± 5 years old. One hundred and fifty-six volunteers were subjected to 3 sessions/week of 45 min of walking at 60% of heart rate reserve. Total energy intake (TEI) and food group preferences (3-day dietary record), total energy expenditure (TEE, 3-day physical activity diary), cardiorespiratory fitness (2-km walking test), anthropometry, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were measured before and after walking. Data were statistically analyzed using an ANOVA with repeated measures on 1 factor (time). The modest increase in TEE of 151 ± 24 kcal/day (p < 0.0001) leads to body weight, fat mass losses, and waist girth reduction (p < 0.0001). TEI remained unchanged despite a slight decrease in carbohydrate intake and a minor increase in protein intake (p < 0.05). Analysis of food records revealed a decreased consumption of fruits (p < 0.05) and sweet and fatty foods (p < 0.01), but an increase in oil consumption (p < 0.0001) after walking. Women with the highest body weight loss showed the greatest reduction in the consumption of fruits, sugar, sweet foods, and fatty foods (p < 0.05). Women with the greatest fat mass loss showed the highest decrease in fatty food intake (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although our walking program changed some food group consumption patterns, body weight loss was primarily because of the increased TEE.

Evaluation of a Theory-Based Intervention Aimed at Improving Coaches' Recommendations on Sports Nutrition to Their Athletes

BACKGROUND

Coaches are a major source of nutrition information and influence for young athletes. Yet, most coaches do not have training in nutrition to properly guide their athletes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving the accuracy of coaches' recommendations on sports nutrition.

DESIGN

This was a quasi-experimental study with a comparison group and an intervention group. Measurements were made at baseline, post-intervention, and after a 2-month follow-up period. Coaches' recommendations on sports nutrition during the follow-up period were recorded in a diary.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

High school coaches from various sports (n=41) were randomly assigned to a comparison group or an intervention group.

INTERVENTION

Both groups attended two 90-minute sessions of a theory-based intervention targeting determinants of coaches' intention to provide recommendations on sports nutrition. The intervention group further received an algorithm that summarizes sports nutrition guidelines to help promote decision making on sports nutrition recommendations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Nutrition knowledge and accuracy of coaches' recommendations on sports nutrition.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED

χ(2) analyses and t-tests were used to compare baseline characteristics; mixed and general linear model analyses were used to assess the change in response to the intervention and differences in behaviors, respectively.

RESULTS

Coaches in the intervention vs comparison group provided more nutrition recommendations during the 2-month post-intervention period (mean number of recommendations per coach 25.7±22.0 vs 9.4±6.5, respectively; P=0.004) and recommendations had a greater accuracy (mean number of accurate recommendations per coach 22.4±19.9 [87.1%] vs 4.3±3.2 [46.1%], respectively; P<0.001). Knowledge was significantly increased post-intervention in both groups, but was maintained only in the intervention group during the 2-month follow-up (Pgroup*time=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

A theory-based intervention combined with a decision-making algorithm maintained coaches' sports nutrition knowledge level over time and helped them to provide more accurate recommendations on sports nutrition.

The Effectiveness of A School-Based Nutrition Intervention on Children's Fruit, Vegetables, and Dairy Product Intake

BACKGROUND

Most Canadian children do not meet daily recommendations for consumption of vegetables and fruits (V/F) and dairy products (DP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Team Nutriathlon on V/F and DP consumption of children.

METHODS

Participants were 404 children from grades 5 and 6 (intervention group [IG] N = 242, control group [CG] N = 162). Teams of children were guided to increase their consumption and variety of V/F and DP over an 8-week period. Daily servings of V/F and DP were compared between groups at 4 time points: baseline (week 0), during (week 6), immediately after (week 9 or 10), and a follow-up 10 weeks after (week 20) the intervention.

RESULTS

During and after the program and at follow-up, children in the IG consumed more servings of V/F and DP compared to the CG (group × time, p < .0001). Sex, baseline consumption levels, and school socioeconomic status did not influence the results (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Team Nutriathlon is an innovative school-based nutrition program that can help to increase the V/F and DP consumption of children.

Adaptations to a diet-based weight-reducing programme in obese women resistant to weight loss

The aim of this study was to assess energy intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), appetite sensations, eating behaviours and sleep duration and quality in obese women resistant to body weight loss when subjected to a diet-based weight-reducing programme. A pooled cohort of obese women (n = 75; aged 39 ± 8 years; body mass index: 33 ± 4 kg m(-2)) participated in a 12-16-week diet-based weight loss programme targeting a daily energy deficit of 500-700 kcal d(-1). Women were classified in tertiles a posteriori based on the response of their body weight to dietary supervision (high, moderate and low responders). Post-intervention, mean weight loss was 3.3 ± 2.8 kg and explained by the 2.9 ± 2.6 kg reduction in fat mass. Mean weight loss was 6.2 ± 1.6, 3.4 ± 0.6 and 0.2 ± 1.4 kg in participants classified in the high, middle and low tertiles, respectively. Women in the low tertile reduced their daily energy intake and susceptibility to hunger during the programme to a lesser extent than those in the high tertile and had higher fasting hunger in response to the dietary intervention. Women in the high tertile maintained their RMR, which was in contrast to the significant decrease predicted by their weight loss. They also reported a significant improvement in sleep quality and an increase in sleep duration compared with other tertiles. The differences in the response of body weight to dietary supervision may be explained, in part, by variations in energy intake, eating behaviours, appetite sensations and sleep duration and quality.

Gender Differences in the Appetite Response to a Satiating Diet

We examined gender differences in appetite sensations when exposed to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) meals and determined whether there are gender differences in the change in the satiating properties of the MedDiet over time. Thirty-eight men and 32 premenopausal women consumed a 4-week isoenergetic MedDiet under controlled conditions. Visual analogue scales were used to measure perceived appetite sensations before and immediately after each meal consumed over the course of one day (Wednesday) of the first and the fourth week of intervention. Women reported greater decreases for desire to eat, hunger, and appetite score than men in response to the consumption of the MedDiet meals (gender-by-meal interactions, resp., P = 0.04, P = 0.048, and P = 0.03). Fullness and prospective food consumption responses did not significantly differ between men and women. Between the first and the fourth week of intervention, premeal prospective food consumption increased with time in men (P = 0.0007) but not in women (P = 0.84; P for gender-by-time interaction = 0.04). These results indicate gender differences in appetite sensations when exposed to the MedDiet. These results may be useful in order to have a better understanding of gender issues for body weight management.

Exercise and negative energy balance in males who perform mental work

BACKGROUND

Although energy expenditure during mental work is not higher than energy expenditure at rest, a stressful mental task is related to an increase in energy intake. It is suggested that mental work produces physiological changes, thereby influencing food intake.

OBJECTIVE

Because physical activity can influence hunger, the aim of the study was to determine if the introduction of an active pause could counteract the negative effects of mental work on energy intake and energy balance.

METHOD

Twelve male students, of normal weight, between 15 and 20 years old were evaluated. All subjects participated in three different sessions realized in a randomized order: (i) without pause = relaxation/mental work/meal; (ii) relaxation pause = mental work/relaxation/meal; and (iii) exercise pause = mental work/exercise/meal. Energy expenditure was measured with indirect calorimetry, energy intake was measured with a cold buffet-type meal of 40 items, and appetite-related sensations were measured with visual analogue scales. The effect of introducing an active pause in energy intake and energy balance was studied.

RESULTS

The introduction of an active pause did not influence energy intake; although, higher appetite-related sensations were observed (16-26 mm on a 150-mm scale; P < 0.05). After accounting for the energy expenditure related to physical activity, a lower energy balance was measured for the exercise pause visit compared with the visit without a pause (-1137 kJ; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that being active between mental work and a meal could represent a strategy to create a negative energy balance following mental work via an increased energy expenditure and a maintenance of energy intake. Globally, these results could help individuals attain and/or maintain a healthy body weight in a context where mental work is omnipresent.

Night eating behavior and metabolic heath in mothers and fathers enrolled in the QUALITY cohort study

BACKGROUND

Desynchrony between eating and sleeping patterns and poor sleep quality have been associated with obesity and metabolic abnormalities. This study examined the metabolic health correlates of night eating syndrome in adults enrolled in the QUALITY cohort study.

METHODS

Night eating symptoms were assessed in 310 women (mean age = 40.3 ± 5.1 years, mean BMI = 28.8 ± 6.2 kg/m(2)) and 305 men (mean age = 42.5 ± 5.9 years, mean BMI = 30.3 ± 5.0 kg/m(2)). Anthropometric measures, fasting blood samples and blood pressure were used to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis was self-report. Correlational and case/control comparisons assessed night eating symptoms in persons with and without MetS and T2D.

RESULTS

Night eating questionnaire (NEQ) scores were positively correlated with BMI. When controlling for BMI, NEQ scores were significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure in women and positively correlated with waist circumference and triglycerides in men. MetS diagnosis was associated with morning anorexia in both women and men and urges to eat at night in women only. T2D was associated with a depressed mood in women and with insomnia in men.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of night eating syndrome are associated with higher BMI and poor metabolic health. Future research is needed to determine if night eating syndrome per se is a unique causal pathway in the development of obesity and metabolic disease.

Nutritional Aspects of Late Eating and Night Eating

The timing of food intake has been investigated as a novel factor in the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of obesity. Indeed, consuming a large proportion of food later in the day and into the night has been associated with higher body weight and may even impair weight loss. The diet quality of late-eaters may be a factor involved in these relationships. Moreover, the nutritional characteristics of the foods consumed during the night may negatively affect metabolic and circadian rhythms that are required for optimal health. This review will first examine the diet quality of late-eaters and describe common foods consumed as nocturnal snacks. Second, this review will briefly acknowledge the potential adverse metabolic and circadian effects of consuming certain foods very late in the evening or during the night.

Daily physical activity patterns of children with delayed eating behaviors

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a delayed pattern of energy intake. It is unknown if symptoms associated with this syndrome are accompanied by a delayed pattern of physical activity. This study examines the relationship between physical activity patterns and delayed eating behaviors in children. Children from the QUALITY cohort (n = 269, 45% female, aged 8-11 y) completed the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), which measures NES symptoms on a continuous scale and identifies single NES symptoms. Daily accelerometer data were transformed into mean counts per wear-time minute for each hour of the day. Children with high NEQ scores had higher levels of daily (p < 0.001) and evening physical activity (p = 0.05) and reached 75% of their total daily physical activity 20 minutes later than children with low NEQ scores (p < 0.05). Excessive evening snacking and a strong urge to eat in the evening or at night were the symptoms most related to these physical activity patterns. Children with delayed eating behaviors had higher levels of physical activity in the late morning and evening and a delayed physical activity pattern compared to children with no or fewer symptoms. Future research is needed to determine if physical activity plays a role in the onset or maintenance of night eating.

Characteristics of individuals who report present and past weight loss behaviours: results from a Canadian university community

PURPOSE

To characterise individuals who reported present and past weight loss behaviours on psycho-behavioural factors known to influence body weight, e.g. overeating, dietary restriction.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was distributed to a university community. Questions pertaining to present weight loss, previous weight loss, eating behaviour tendencies, perceived stress and sleep quality were answered by 3,069 individuals. Body weight and height were self-reported.

RESULTS

Present and past weight loss behaviours were prevalent in the sample, with 33.3 % of the participants who reported trying to lose weight, 33.1 % who reported having previously lost weight (>10 lbs), and 18.8 % who reported repeated weight loss behaviour (i.e. present and past weight loss behaviours). Trying to lose weight and previous weight loss were both independently associated with increased risk for psycho-behavioural characteristics known to be associated with obesity, e.g. overeating tendencies, perceived stress, short sleep duration. This risk was particularly elevated among the underweight/normal-weight individuals who reported repeated weight loss behaviours. Indeed, adjusted odds ratios for reporting restrictive and overeating tendencies, perceived stress and short sleep for these individuals were significantly higher compared to their underweight/normal-weight peers who did not report repeated weight loss behaviours (adjusted odds ratios 4.7, 2.7, 1.8, and 1.8, respectively, p < 0.01 to <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Normal-weight individuals reporting weight loss behaviours are characterised by a psycho-behaviour profile which may further increase their risk of weight gain.

Sex differences in the effects of mental work and moderate-intensity physical activity on energy intake in young adults

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of mental work and moderate-intensity physical activity on various components of energy balance in young and healthy adults. With the use of a randomized crossover design, 35 participants aged 24 ± 3 years completed three 45-min conditions, namely, (i) resting in a sitting position (control), (ii) reading and writing (mental work (MW)), and (iii) exercising on a treadmill at 40% of peak oxygen uptake (exercise), followed by an ad libitum lunch. The endpoints were spontaneous energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), appetite sensations, and EI for the remainder of the day. We observed that the energy cost of the control and MW conditions was about the same whereas the exercise condition increased EE to a greater extent in men than women. Exercise induced a decrease in EI relative to EE compared to the control condition that was more pronounced in men than women. However, women tended to increase their energy intake after the MW condition compared to the control one whereas an opposite trend was observed in men. None of the appetite sensation markers differed significantly between both sexes. In conclusion, men and women have specific food intake patterns when submitted to cognitive and physical stimuli.