Exercise and energy intake in overweight,sedentary individuals

Exercise expends energy, but without dietary intervention, exercise does not appear to produce substantial weight loss. The present study examined whether overweight, sedentary individuals increase their energy intake after moderate intensity exercise, particularly in the presence of negative mood. A repeated measures design was used where overweight, sedentary individuals (N = 65) completed, in counterbalanced order, two conditions: 3 min of exercise (Active) and 3 min of sedentary activity (Sedentary) during one session. Snack foods were presented 10 min after each activity. Mixed-effects regression modeling revealed no significant effect of Active versus Sedentary condition on energy intake. However, moderational analyses revealed that change in negative mood interacted with condition to predict energy intake, such that participants who reported increased negative mood during exercise consumed more calories in the Active compared to the Sedentary condition. That a short bout of exercise resulted in mood deterioration and increased energy intake for some overweight, sedentary individuals is concerning. Further research examining behavioral and physiological mechanisms of mood deterioration and caloric overcompensation following exercise in overweight, sedentary individuals is warranted.     

Results of a randomized controlled trial to promote physical activity behaviours in mothers with young children

ObjectiveIncreasing levels of physical activity in mothers have long-term health benefits for the mother and family. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a six-month, physical activity RCT for mothers of young children.MethodsWomen were recruited via playgroups and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 394) or control group (n = 322). The intervention group received a six-month multi-strategy programme delivered via playgroups in Perth, Australia. measures were mean minutes per week of moderate (M) and vigorous (V) intensity physical activity (PA), and number of days/week of muscle strength exercises.ResultsThe intervention had a significant effect on mean time for vigorous (p = 0.008), moderate (p = 0.023) and total physical activity (p = 0.001) when compared to the control group. The intervention group increased their vigorous activity by a mean of 24 min/week, moderate activity by 23 min/week and total physical activity by 72 min/week.ConclusionsA relatively minimum home based intervention was able to demonstrate modest but statistically significant improvements in physical activity in a hard to reach group. These changes if maintained over a longer period are likely to improve the health of mothers and have a positive impact on their partners and children. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000735257.     

The association between physical activity and liver fat after five years of follow-up in a primary prevention multi-ethnic cohort

Objective: Excess liver fat (LF) is associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that there is an independent relationship between physical activity (PA) and LF although little is known of the role of PA intensity in reducing LF. The purpose was to evaluate whether meeting PA guidelines, the amount of PA and the intensity of PA at baseline were associated with LF after five-years.Methods: Men and women (n = 478) living in Vancouver, Canada of Aboriginal, Chinese, European or South Asian background completed baseline measurements in 2004–2005. Liver fat was assessed using CT scans at 5-year follow-up, and PA using a PA questionnaire at baseline as well as demographics and anthropometry.Results: In separate unadjusted models, meeting moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines (p = 0.009), vigorous PA (p = 0.002) and MVPA (p = 0.017) but not moderate PA (p = 0.068) was predictive of LF at five years (p = 0.009). In multiple linear regression models, when adjusted for covariates, meeting MVPA guidelines and MVPA with LF at five years was no longer significant (p > 0.05) while vigorous PA remained significant (p = 0.021).Conclusion: Meeting PA guidelines through MVPA may not be adequate to prevent the accumulation of LF and PA guidelines may require revision. Vigorous PA should be encouraged to prevent LF accumulation.     

Physically active vs. sedentary academic lessons: A dose response study for elementary student time on task

BackgroundPhysically active academic lessons are an effective intervention to reduce sedentary time and increase student physical activity. They have also been shown to enhance task engagement, as indicated by observations of attention and behavior control, time on task (TOT). However, it is not clear if the improved TOT stems from the physical activity or if it is the result of an enjoyable break from traditional instruction. If it is due to physical activity, what dose of intensity is required for the effect? This study was designed to test these questions.MethodsParticipants were 320 children (7–9 years) recruited from school districts in Central Texas in 2012. They were assigned by classroom (n = 20) to one of four conditions: 1) sedentary, standard lesson (n = 72); 2) sedentary academic game (n = 87); 3) low to moderate intensity PA (LMPA), academic game (n = 81); and 4) moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), academic game (n = 76). Measures included PA via accelerometer and TOT.ResultsMixed-method RMANOVA indicated TOT decreased following the standard lesson (p < 0.001), showed no change following the sedentary academic game (p = 0.68), and increased following the LMPA (p < 0.01) and MVPA (p < 0.001) academic games.ConclusionsWhile the sedentary, academic game prevented the reduction in TOT observed in the standard lesson, PA resulted in increased TOT. Future research should be designed to examine the potential academic benefits of the change in TOT.     

Effect of exercise intensity on depressive symptoms in women

Exercise has been shown to relieve depressive symptoms, yet optimal exercise intensity for treating depression has not been established. The mechanisms that explain the antidepressant effect of exercise also require investigation. The purpose of this study was to test (a) the effect of two different exercise intensities prescribed for aerobic training on depressive symptoms, and (b) a previously proposed psychological mechanism for this effect: self-efficacy. Sedentary women scoring ≥14 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were randomized to one of two aerobic training groups that differed on exercise intensity (high [65–75% MaxVO₂ reserve] or low [40–55% MaxVO₂ reserve]), or to a stretching control group for 10 weeks. Main outcome variables included depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and self-efficacy (exercise self-efficacy [ESE] and depression coping self-efficacy [DCSE]), which were measured at study entry, 5 and 10 weeks later. Participants in all groups (high, n = 18; low, n = 18; stretching, n = 18) had significant reductions in depressive symptoms at Week 5 (p < .001) and Week 10 (p < .001). The BDI-II change scores did not differ significantly among the groups (p = .066). Follow-up analyses controlling for baseline BDI-II scores showed that the high intensity group had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than the low intensity and stretching control groups at weeks 5 and 10 (p < .05). There was no significant association between changes in aerobic capacity and changes in depressive symptoms (r = ?.099, p = .491). At 10 weeks, both ESE (p = .013) and DCSE (p < .001) increased significantly for the whole sample, with no significant group difference (p = .613 for ESE, p = .277 for DCSE). Controlling for baseline scores, the increase remained significant for ESE (p = .005) but not for DCSE (p = .629). Partial correlations showed significant negative relationships between both types of self-efficacy and depressive symptoms at Week 5 and Week 10 (p < .02). We concluded that both high and low intensity aerobic exercise, as well as stretching exercise were associated with reductions in mild to moderate depressive symptoms in initially sedentary women. Changes in depression were associated with changes in ESE and DCSE.     

A German version of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ): Psychometric properties and correlates in a student sample

Night eating syndrome (NES) is marked by substantial evening or nocturnal food intake, insomnia, morning anorexia, and depressed mood. The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) is the most frequently used instrument for the assessment of NES and available in several languages. The current study aimed at providing and validating a German version of the NEQ using an online study among students (N = 729). The German NEQ had acceptable internal consistency (α = .71) and three-week retest-reliability (r = .77). The four-factor structure of the original version (morning anorexia, evening hyperphagia, mood/sleep, nocturnal ingestions) could be replicated, except for one item. Convergent validity was supported by moderate positive correlations with eating pathology, emotional eating, and habitual food cravings. Discriminant validity was supported by small positive correlations with relevant, but not eating-related constructs (eveningness preference, impulsivity). Scores on the NEQ were also positively, but weakly, correlated with body mass index (r = .18). The German version of the NEQ appears to be a useful tool for future investigations on night eating.     

Cigarette smoking is associated with body shape concerns and bulimia symptoms among young adult females

Elevated rates of cigarette smoking have been reported among individuals with Bulimia Nervosa. However, little is known about eating disorder symptoms within non-clinical samples of smokers. The purpose of the present study was to compare the eating disorder symptoms of young adult female smokers (n = 184) and non-smokers (n = 56), to determine whether smokers were more likely to endorse bulimic symptoms and report greater body shape concern than non-smokers. Analyses indicated that smokers scored significantly higher than non-smokers on the Body Shape Questionnaire, p = .03, and the Bulimia Test-Revised, p = .006. In addition, a higher proportion of smokers than non-smokers scored ≥ 85 on the Bulimia Test-Revised, p = .05, suggesting the possibility that Bulimia Nervosa diagnoses were more prevalent among smokers. No differences were found between smokers and non-smokers on other measures of eating behavior. Overall, findings suggest that smoking is specifically associated with symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa and body shape concern among young adult females.     

An internet-delivered exercise intervention for workplace health promotion in overweight sedentary employees: A randomized trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of structured vs. non-structured internet-delivered exercise recommendations on aerobic exercise capacity and cardiovascular risk profile in overweight sedentary employees.Methods140 employees of an automobile company (11% female, median age 48 years (range 25–60), BMI 29.0 kg/m² (25.0–34.8)) were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to an intervention group receiving structured exercise schedules or a control group choosing workouts individually via an interactive website. The 12-week intervention took place in Munich, Germany, during summer 2008. Main outcome measure was performance at the lactate anaerobic threshold (P_AT/kg) during ergometry.Results77 participants completed the study. The intervention group (n = 50) improved significantly in P_AT/kg ((mean (SD)) 1.68 (0.31) vs. 1.81 (0.33) W/kg; p = 0.002), VO₂peak (3.21 (0.63) vs. 3.35 (0.74) L/min; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (100.5 (7.9) vs. 98.0 (7.8) cm; p = 0.001). The control group (n = 27) improved significantly in P_AT/kg (1.59 (0.38) vs. 1.80 (0.49); p < 0.001) and waist circumference (101.9 (8.7) vs. 98.3 (8.5) cm; p < 0.001), but not in VO₂peak. No significant between group differences in these outcome measures were noted.ConclusionStructured, internet-delivered exercise recommendations are not superior to internet-delivered non-structured exercise recommendations in a workplace setting. Both lifestyle intervention strategies are, however, limited by high dropout rates.     

Take a walk in the park? A cross-over pilot trial comparing brisk walking in two different environments: Park and urban

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist between a 30 minute brisk walk taken in two different environments in order to determine which environment best facilitates current physical activity guidelines: park or urban.MethodsIn this randomised cross-over pilot study, participants performed a self-timed 30 minute brisk walk in two different environments, park and urban, in Glasgow, Scotland (October 2009 to January 2010). Cadence, recorded using the activPAL? activity monitor, was used to measure intensity. Outcome measures were: mean cadence; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time accumulated in bouts lasting ≥ 10 min; number of walking breaks; and duration.ResultsA convenience sample of 40 healthy adults was recruited: 16 males, 24 females, mean age 22.9 (5.5) years. The mean cadence for the whole walk was higher in the park: 119.3 (8.3) vs. 110.9 (8.9) steps/min. Participants accumulated more moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in ≥ 10 minute bouts during park walks: 25.5 (9.6) [median (interquartile range)] vs. 14.0 (20.3) min. There was no difference in self-timed duration between locations.ConclusionParticipants accumulated more moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in bouts ≥ 10 min in duration on park walks due to the lack of interruptions in walking. Hence the park environment better facilitated the achievement of current physical activity guidelines. Further research involving a larger, more heterogeneous sample is recommended.     

National and state prevalence of smoke-free rules in homes with and without children and smokers: Two decades of progress

ObjectiveThe home is the primary source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure for children. We assessed national and state progress in smoke-free home (SFH) rule adoption in homes with and without children and adult smokers.MethodsData came from the 1992–1993 and 2010–2011 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey, a U.S. national probability household survey. Households were defined as having a SFH rule if all household respondents aged ≥ 18 indicated no one was allowed to smoke inside the home at any time. Households with children were those with occupants aged < 18. Smokers were those who smoked ≥ 100 lifetime cigarettes and now smoked “everyday” or “some days”.ResultsFrom 1992–1993 to 2010–2011, SFH rule prevalence increased from 43.0% to 83.0% (p < .05). Among households with children, SFH rules increased overall (44.9% to 88.6%), in households without smokers (59.7% to 95.0%), and households with ≥ 1 smokers (9.7% to 61.0%) (p < .05). Among households without children, SFH rules increased overall (40.8% to 81.1%), in households without smokers (53.4% to 90.1%), and households with ≥ 1 smokers (6.3% to 40.9%) (p < .05). Prevalence increased in all states, irrespective of smoker or child occupancy (p < .05). In 2010–2011, among homes with smokers and children, SFH rule prevalence ranged from 36.5% (West Virginia) to 86.8% (California).ConclusionsConsiderable progress has been made adopting SFH rules, but many U.S. children continue to be exposed to SHS because their homes are not smoke-free. Further efforts to promote adoption of SFH rules are essential to protect all children from this health risk.     

Are treatment expectations related to reductions in craving and withdrawal symptoms following an acute bout of exercise?

PurposeTo examine if expectancy beliefs towards exercise reducing smoking craving and withdrawal symptoms are related to these symptoms following an acute bout of exercise for women engaged in a quit attempt involving Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).MethodParticipants (n = 149) underwent the 14-week Getting Physical on Cigarettes (GPOC) trial involving exercise and NRT. Exercise expectancy beliefs were collected at baseline (prior to week 1) and at week 5 (one week after quitting smoking and beginning 21 mg patch). At week 5, participants reported craving and withdrawal symptoms immediately prior to and following a 20-minute bout of moderate intensity exercise. To be eligible for subsequent analyses, participants had to demonstrate a carbon monoxide score of <6 ppm, adhere to their NRT program, and follow their acute exercise regime at the appropriate intensity (n = 91).ResultsA significant reduction in craving and withdrawal symptoms (i.e. craving, psychological, sedation) was found from pre- to post-exercise at week 5. Exercise expectancy beliefs demonstrated a trend effect increase from baseline to week 5. Both level of exercise expectancy (week 5) and residual change in exercise expectancy (baseline to week 5) were mildly associated with residual change in psychological symptoms, and unrelated to residual changes in craving and sedation.ConclusionExercise expectancy increases are unrelated to reductions in cravings and sedation and mildly related to reductions in psychological symptoms following an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise in smokers who have recently attempted to quit.     

Levels of physical activity among adults 18–64 years old in 28 European countries

BackgroundSedentary lifestyle is associated with more than three million deaths annually. Data from the 2013 Eurobarometer survey were analyzed to assess levels of physical activity across the European Union (EU) and to explore factors associated with adequate and high physical activity.MethodsA representative sample of n = 19,978 individuals aged 18–64 years from the 28 EU countries (sub-sample of the Eurobarometer survey, wave 80.2) was analyzed. Frequency and average duration of walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity was assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Participants were then classified as physically inactive or adequately/highly active, based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations. The total amount of MET-minutes (MET-min) per week was also calculated for each respondent.ResultsThe proportion of physically inactive individuals was 28.6%, (12.4% in Sweden to 53.7% in Cyprus), while 59.1% of the respondents (37.9% in Portugal and Cyprus to 72.2% in Sweden) were classified as highly active. The mean total weekly physical activity was 2151 MET-min (95%CI: 2095–2206), of which 891 MET-min (95%CI: 858–924) were contributed by vigorous exercise, 559 MET-min (95%CI: 540–578) by moderate exercise (excluding walking) and 690 MET-min (95%CI: 673–706) by walking. Male gender, younger age, residence in rural areas and Northern Europe, higher education level and ability to pay bills were independently associated with higher physical activity.ConclusionOne fourth of the EU population did not meet the WHO's recommendations for physical activity, with wide inequalities between and within countries. Wide-reaching environmental approaches are required to promote physical activity and address these inequalities.     

Prospective effects of pedometer use and class competitions on physical activity in youth: A cluster-randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the immediate effects of a school-based multi-component program to foster a physically active lifestyle in adolescence.Design/participantsIn a cluster-randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-assessment in 2014, 29 schools with 1162 8th grade students (48% girls) from Germany were included. Age ranged from 12 to 17 years (M = 13.74; SD = 0.67).InterventionWhile the control group attended education as usual, students in the intervention group received pedometers and took part in a class competition over a time period of 12 weeks. Classes with the most steps and best creative ideas to promote physical activity in everyday life were awarded.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcomes included out-of-school sports activities (h/week), moderate to vigorous physical activity (days/week with a minimum of 60 min), active commuting (min/day), doing chores (min/day), and sedentary behavior (h/day) assessed through self-administered questionnaires as well as cardiorespiratory fitness measured using the 20-m shuttle-run test (completed laps).ResultsSignificant interaction terms between group and wave of assessment were found on out-of-school sports activities (b = − 1.09 [− 1.89; − 0.29], p = 0.008), moderate to vigorous physical activity (b = − 0.29 [− 0.47; − 0.10], p = 0.002), and active commuting (b = − 20.41 [− 32.32; − 8.49], p = 0.001): students in the intervention group showed a higher increase of physical activity levels than students in the control group. The intervention effect on cardiorespiratory fitness missed significance marginally (b = − 1.52 [− 3.14; 0.98], p = 0.065), There was no effect on students' sedentary behavior (b = 0.06 [− 0.72; 0.84], p = 0.881).ConclusionsAn easy to administer school-based physical activity program (12 weeks) may enhance students' leisure-time physical activity.Trial registration number: ISRCTN49482118     

Feasibility and effects of a group-based resistance and aerobic exercise program for individuals with severe schizophrenia: A multidisciplinary approach

PurposePeople with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders have a higher risk of morbidity and premature mortality compared to the general population in part due to sedentary lifestyles. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and effects of aerobic (AT) and resistance training (RT) on individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders.MethodsEight males and five females (mean age 44.6 ± 3 years) were randomized to either twice weekly exercise (n = 7) or usual care (control) (n = 6). Functional exercise capacity (six minute walk distance (6MWD)), muscular strength, anthropometric measures, and domains of mental health were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Data are presented as means ± SEM.ResultsThe exercise group demonstrated a 27.7 ± 22.3 m increase in 6MWD while the control group showed a decrease of 28.3 ± 26.6 m (between-group difference, p = 0.1). There was a significant strength increase for exercise (28.3 ± 8.8%, p = 0.01) but not for control (12.5 ± 8.5%, p = 0.2). The exercise group had a significant improvement in total Mental Health Inventory (MHI) score (p < 0.03) with no change for control. Gain in 6MWD was directly associated with improvement in total MHI score (r = 0.8, p = 0.009) as was reduction in depressive symptoms (r = ?0.9, p < 0.001) among all participants. Attendance at exercise sessions averaged 72 ± 4.4% with no dropouts. Reduction in depressive symptoms correlated with greater adherence to exercise (r = ?0.93, p = 0.02).ConclusionsA 12-week community-based AT and RT program results in significant improvements in overall mental health, muscular strength and a trend for improvement in functional exercise capacity. Among all participants, improvement in functional exercise capacity was associated with improvement in overall mental health as well as a reduction in depressive symptoms. Reduction in depressive symptoms was associated with greater adherence to exercise. A group exercise program for individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder is feasible when implemented by a multidisciplinary team.     

Exercise facilitates smoking cessation indirectly via improvements in smoking-specific self-efficacy: Prospective cohort study among a national sample of young smokers

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise is associated with 2-year follow-up smoking status through its influence on smoking-specific self-efficacy.MethodsLongitudinal data from the 2003–2005 National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey were used, including 1,228 participants (16–24 years). A questionnaire was used to examine baseline exercise levels, baseline smoking-specific self-efficacy, follow-up smoking status, and the covariates.ResultsBaseline exercise was associated with baseline self-efficacy (β = 0.04, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age category, sex, race–ethnicity, education, and nicotine dependence. Baseline self-efficacy, in turn, was associated with 2-year smoking status (β = 0.23, p < 0.001) after adjustments. There was no adjusted direct effect of baseline exercise on 2-year smoking status (β = 0.001, p = 0.95); however, the adjusted indirect effect of baseline self-efficacy on the relationship between exercise and 2-year smoking status was significant (β = 0.008, bootstrapped lower and upper CI: 0.002–0.02; p < 0.05). The mediation ratio was 0.837, which indicates that smoking-specific self-efficacy mediates 84% of the total effect of exercise on smoking status.ConclusionsAmong daily smokers, exercise may help to facilitate smoking cessation via exercise-induced increases in smoking-specific self-efficacy.     

Where can they play? Outdoor spaces and physical activity among adolescents in U.S. urbanized areas

ObjectiveTo estimate behavior-specific effects of several objectively measured outdoor spaces on different types of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large, diverse sample of U.S. adolescents.MethodsUsing data from Wave I (1994–1995) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (U.S., n = 10,359) and a linked geographic information system, we calculated percent greenspace coverage and distance to the nearest neighborhood and major parks. Using sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression, we modeled reported participation in wheel-based activities, active sports, exercise, and ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week as a function of each outdoor space variable, controlling for individual- and neighborhood-level sociodemographics.ResultsAvailability of major or neighborhood parks was associated with higher participation in active sports and, in females, wheel-based activity and reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week [OR (95% CI): up to 1.71 (1.29, 2.27)]. Greater greenspace coverage was associated with reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week in males and females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.62 (1.10, 2.39) for 10.1 to 20% versus ≤ 10% greenspace] and exercise participation in females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.73 (1.21, 2.49)].ConclusionsProvision of outdoor spaces may promote different types of physical activities, with potentially greater benefits in female adolescents, who have particularly low physical activity levels.     

Clinician advice to quit smoking among seniors

ObjectiveLittle smoking research in the past 20 years includes persons 50 and older; herein we describe patterns of clinician cessation advice to US seniors, including variation by Medicare beneficiary characteristics.MethodIn 2012–4, we analyzed 2010 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey data from Medicare beneficiaries over age 64 (n = 346,674). We estimated smoking rates and the proportion of smokers whose clinicians encouraged cessation.Results12% of male and 8% of female respondents aged 65 and older smoke. The rate decreases with age (14% of 65–69, 3% of 85 +) and education (12–15% with no high school degree, 5–6% with BA +). Rates are highest among American Indian/Alaskan Native (16%), multiracial (14%), and African–American (13%) seniors, and in the Southeast (14%). Only 51% of smokers say they receive cessation advice “always” or “usually” at doctor visits, with advice more often given to the young, those in low-smoking regions, Asians, and women. For all results cited p < 0.05.ConclusionsSmoking cessation advice to seniors is variable. Providers may focus on groups or areas in which smoking is less common or when they are most comfortable giving advice. More consistent interventions are needed, including cessation advice from clinicians.     

A randomized clinical trial of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on obesity prevention among women

ObjectiveThe study investigated the effectiveness of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on weight change during 12 months in non-obese women.MethodsA randomized clinical trial with a factorial design was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Two hundred three middle-aged women (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil), 25–45 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (CG) and home-based exercise (HB). The HB group received a booklet on aerobic exercise that could be practiced at home (3 times/week–40 min/session), in low-moderate intensity, during 12 months. Both groups received dietary counseling aimed at a slight energy restriction of 100–300 calories per day.ResultsThe HB experienced a greater weight loss in the first 6 months (?1.4 vs. ?0.8 kg; p = 0.04), but after 12 months there was no differences between groups (?1.1 vs. ?1.0; p = 0.20). Of the serum biochemical markers, HDL cholesterol showed major change, with an increase at month 12 of 18.3 mg/dl in the HB compared to 9.5 in the CG (p < 0.01).ConclusionHome-based exercise promoted greater weight reduction during the first 6 months after which no further benefits are observed. Continuous favorable changes in HDL cholesterol after 1 year suggest that home-based exercise promote health benefits.     

Food cravings,food intake,and weight status in a community-based sample

The aims of this study were to 1) determine the relationships between BMI and the frequency of food cravings for different categories of foods, 2) examine the associations between cravings for different types of foods and self-reported, habitual intake of these foods, and 3) assess how these relationships differ by BMI. Six hundred and forty-six participants (55.7% female; 66.4% White; mean age 29.5 ± 9.1 years; mean BMI 27.3 ± 5.5 kg/m²) completed a comprehensive assessment battery including the Food Craving Inventory (FCI) and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). There was a significant positive relationship between BMI and food cravings. There were significant positive associations of cravings for sweets, high fats, carbohydrates/starches, and fast-food fats on respective intake of these types of foods; however, there were no significant interactions between food cravings and BMI on the respective type of food intake. This study indicates significant positive relationships between specific categories of food cravings and habitual intake of those foods.