Exercise-induced changes in body composition are dependent on various external factors. The psychological factor seems to be an important determinant for reducing body mass. However, the effect of changes in mood on weight loss have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among mood status, body composition and anthropometric characteristics observed during an exercise training program. Thirty-four obese women, aged 46.5±7.7 years, participated in our 3-month weight loss program. Body mass and % fat significantly decreased from 66.3±7.1 kg to 59.8±6.5kg, and from 31.8±3.1% to 27.9±4.0% (P<0.05), respectively. Aerobic power, as represented by maximal oxygen uptake, significantly increased (from 29.1±5.0 mlin/kg to 34.6±5.2 mlin/kg), and oxygen uptake corresponding to lactate threshold increased as well (from 17.2±2.8mlin/kg to 20.0±3.0mlin/kg) after training (P<0.05) . Accord. ing to the degree of body mass change, the subjects were divided into the following two groups : good-responder group (Group G : -9.2±2.7 kg) and poor-responder group (Group P : -3.8±1.4 kg) . Analyses of variance revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in total mood disturbance between Group G (103.54±16.30) and Group P (115.20±21.17) . These results show the possibility of the effects of mood on the success of weight loss in obese middle-aged women.

Background: Few medical education programs provide hands-on classes using electronic medical charts for a large number of students.
Methods: To simulate a medical interview, third- and sixth-year medical students viewed electronic medical chart samples on a screen, created by FileMaker, and discussed patient management. Following this, they underwent a questionnaire survey.
Results: A total of 63.1 and 76.3% of the third- and sixth-year students responded to the questionnaire, and 87.1 and 78.9% of the responders became interested in the class, respectively, because it focused on hands-on, practical training. A total of 5.6% of third-year students stated that the class was difficult to master but they hoped to continue learning.
Discussion: The adoption of a hands-on class using electronic medical charts interested even junior medical students.