Introduction: Obesity is associated with an increased risk for non-communicable diseases. Local studies have shown that 33.1% of healthcare providers (HCPs) are overweight, while 21.1% are obese. Interventions that consist of diet, physical exercise and cognitive behavioural training have been shown to be successful in reducing weight. Methods: We designed a weight loss programme for our HCPs named the ‘Fit and Trimmed Staff’ programme, which consisted of 3 months of group education on obesity-related health problems led by a doctor, a pharmacist, a nutritionist and an occupational therapist among HCPs. Monthly individual dietary counselling by a nutritionist was also provided for 6 months. We measured the body weight, body mass index, percentage of body fat, visceral fat and percentage of skeletal muscle of the HCPs before and after the intervention. Results: Forty-five (56.25%) HCPs at Simpang Health Clinic were either overweight or obese; the majority of them were drivers and administrative clerks (100%), followed by health attendants (69.2%) and medical assistants (63.6%). At 6 months post-intervention, there was a trend towards a non-significant reduction in the fat percentage (median=-0.8%, P=0.423). Approximately 42% (n=19) of the HCPs lost weight, while 58% gained weight. Weight loss was observed more commonly in the male HCPs (>50%) than in the female HCPs. Conclusion A weight loss programme solely consisting of health discussion and nutritional advice is inadequate to induce weight reductions. A multimodal approach may be considered in managing weight among HCPs.
Weight Reduction Programs ; Health Personnel ; Obesity

Mindfulness training is growing in popularity as an adjunctive intervention in disordered eating and weight loss. Lifestyle modification, pharmacologic treatment, and surgical intervention have been widely used for weight reduction in obese persons, but these modifications are sometimes insufficient. In particular, stress-induced eating and binge-eating disorder have been frequently associated with increased risk of regaining weight. Initial research suggests that mindfulness training may be an effective intervention for binge eating. In this article, we reviewed 19 studies that investigated mindfulness training as an intervention for weight change and/or emotional eating. Results suggest that mindfulness training effectively decreases emotional eating in persons with good adherence to the training; evidence for its effect on weight reduction, however, is mixed. Further large-scale studies are warranted to explore the effectiveness of mindfulness training on long-term weight loss and emotional eating in persons with obesity.
Binge-Eating Disorder ; Bulimia ; Cognitive Therapy ; Eating ; Humans ; Life Style ; Mindfulness ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Weight Loss ; Weight Reduction Programs

PURPOSE: An obesity clinic was newly opened at a single university hospital in South Korea. We aimed to characterize the profile of patients and current status of the clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 patients who have visited the obesity clinic from October 2015 to April 2016 were included in this study. Baseline examination included anthropometric measurement, bioelectrical impedance analysis, blood sampling, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) analysis to estimate abdominal fat distribution. Weight loss program of the clinic constituted of 8 sessions of physician encounter and nutrition counselling. Data on the profile of patients and their completion status were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty obese adults (21 males and 39 females) were included in the study. The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) body mass index was 31.1±5.7, and abdominal circumference was 100.2±18.3. The mean±SD percentage of body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis was analyzed 35.7±6.2% in males, and 40.6±6.2% in females. The average intra-abdominal fat area was 243.7 cc in males, and 142.5 cc in females. Among 60 subjects, 37 patients (61.7%) are currently on their sessions; 11 patients (18.3%) completed 8 sessions of the program; 8 patients (13.3%) dropped out; 4 patients (6.7%) did not register the program session with initial evaluation only. The mean weight loss (kg) of 11 completers was 5.1 kg. CONCLUSION: Using the strengths of a university hospital as multidisciplinary team care, effective treatment strategies for overweight and obesity are the future directions of our clinic.
Abdominal Fat ; Adipose Tissue ; Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Electric Impedance ; Female ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Korea ; Male ; Obesity* ; Overweight ; Weight Loss ; Weight Reduction Programs

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of weight-loss for overweight or obese population under the health management programs, and to provide evidence for the development of safe and effective weight-loss programs.

METHODS738 participants who resided in Beijing longer than one year, under 22 to 55 years of age, with BMI≥24 kg/m(2) and without organic diseases were voluntarily recruited, from September 1(st) to October 15(th) 2013. All the participants were randomly divided into general management group or under health management group, in which all the subjects received intervention measures for 6 months. Anthropometry and body composition were measured at baseline and 6 months for all the subjects. Weight-loss effect from the health management programs was evaluated through analyzing the changes on weight and body fat.

RESULTS618 participants completed the follow-up process, including 321 in the general management group and 297 in the health management group. 6 months after the intervention process, values of weight and body fat rate in the two groups appeared both significantly lower than that at the baseline levels. Difference before and after the intervention program was statistically significant (P<0.001). However, the differences of those with reduction value as 2.19 kg or 2.19% among health management group were higher than that in the general management group, which were 0.97 kg and 1.28% respectively, with difference statistically significant (P<0.001). The effective rate of 24.2% loss-weight and the 52.5% losing rate on body fat among the health management group were both higher than 11.8% and 34.3%, seen in the general management group, respectively, with difference statistically significant (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe healthy management programs could effectively control the weight and body fate rate among the overweight or obese adults.

Adipose Tissue ; Adult ; Behavior Therapy ; Body Composition ; Body Mass Index ; China ; Exercise ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; prevention & control ; Overweight ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Treatment Outcome ; Weight Loss ; physiology ; Weight Reduction Programs ; methods

We investigated the interaction effect between body weight perception and chronic disease comorbidities on body weight control behavior in overweight/obese Korean adults. We analyzed data from 9,138 overweight/obese adults > or =20 yr of age from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Multiple logistic regression using an interaction model was performed to estimate the effect of chronic disease comorbidities on weight control behavior regarding weight perception. Adjusted odds ratios for weight control behavior tended to increase significantly with an increasing number of comorbidities in men regardless of weight perception (P<0.05 for trend), suggesting no interaction. Unlike women who perceived their weight accurately, women who under-perceived their weight did not show significant improvements in weight control behavior even with an increasing number of comorbidities. Thus, a significant interaction between weight perception and comorbidities was found only in women (P=0.031 for interaction). The effect of the relationship between accurate weight perception and chronic disease comorbidities on weight control behavior varied by sex. Improving awareness of body image is particularly necessary for overweight and obese women to prevent complications.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Comorbidity ; Educational Status ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/*epidemiology/*prevention & control ; Patient Compliance/*statistics & numerical data ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Characteristics ; Sex Distribution ; Smoking/epidemiology ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; *Weight Perception ; Weight Reduction Programs/*utilization ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONWeight management programmes (WMPs) can help overweight individuals lose weight, and thus prevent complications associated with obesity. Herein, we describe the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, motivations and expectations, and outcomes of patients enrolled in a nonsurgical WMP.

METHODSThis was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with a body mass index (BMI) of > 23 kg/m2 enrolled in the four-month WMP at the Health For Life Clinic, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, between 1 and 31 August 2009. Demographic data, medical history and source of referral were recorded. Details on personal motivations and weight loss goals were obtained from the completed self-administered questionnaires of the WMP participants. Weight, waist circumference, fat percentage and BMI were measured at the start and end of the WMP. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was deemed as a successful outcome.

RESULTSA total of 58 patients (mean age 37.2 years) were included in our study. Of these 58 patients, 58.6% were of Chinese ethnicity and 55.2% were male. Many patients (32.8%) attributed their weight gain to work- or study-related stress, and a minority to poor eating habits (12.1%) or a lack of exercise (10.3%). Patients' motivations included a desire for better health (53.4%) and better fitness (15.5%). However, only 53.4% patients scored their motivation as high (i.e. a score of > 7). The mean expected weight loss was 9.9 kg at 4 months, and 14.1 kg at 12 months. Among the 40 patients (69.0%) who completed the programme, the mean percentage weight loss was 1.8 ± 4.3%. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was achieved by 8 (13.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONAlthough the patients in our study cohort were young and educated, only a portion of them appeared to be highly motivated to lose weight, despite joining the WMP. There is a need for patients to be guided on how to set realistic weight loss goals.

Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motivation ; Obesity ; psychology ; therapy ; Overweight ; psychology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; Weight Loss ; Weight Reduction Programs ; methods ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONThis study investigated the effect of an access-enhanced intervention on hypertension screening and management, as well as on health behaviours among newly diagnosed hypertensives, in a multi-ethnic low socioeconomic status (SES) community. Factors associated with hypertension screening, treatment, and control in the community were also determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study involved all residents aged ≥40 years in 2 public rental housing precincts (low SES), between 2009 and 2011, who were followed-up prospectively for 1 year after a 6-month community-based intervention comprising a 3-month access-enhanced screening component and a 3-month follow-up (outreach) component. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression determined predictors of hypertension management at follow-up.

RESULTSThe follow-up rate was 80.9% (467/577). At baseline, 60.4% (282/467) were hypertensive; 53.5% (151/282) were untreated; 54.2% (71/131) uncontrolled. One year later, postintervention, 51.6% (78/151) of untreated hypertensives were treated; combined with treated hypertensives previously uncontrolled, 53.0% (79/149) achieved control. Older age independently predicted treatment (adjusted relative risk, aRR = 1.98, CI, 1.08 to 3.65); majority ethnicity (aRR = 1.76, CI, 1.05 to 2.96), employment (aRR = 1.85, CI, 1.26 to 2.80) and newly treated hypertension (aRR=1.52, CI, 1.01 to 2.32) predicted control. A total of 52.4% (97/185) were irregularly screened at baseline; at follow-up 61.9% (60/97) were regularly screened. Cost and misperceptions were common barriers to screening and treatment. Newly diagnosed hypertensives were also less likely to go for additional cardiovascular screening (aRR = 0.54, CI, 0.29 to 0.99).

CONCLUSIONAn access-enhanced intervention had some success in improving hypertension management within low SES communities; however, it was less successful in improving cardiovascular risk management, especially in encouraging lifestyle changes and additional cardiovascular screening amongst newly diagnosed hypertensives.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; statistics & numerical data ; Diet, Sodium-Restricted ; methods ; Exercise Therapy ; methods ; Female ; Health Services Accessibility ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; ethnology ; therapy ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Patient Compliance ; ethnology ; statistics & numerical data ; Patient Dropouts ; statistics & numerical data ; Poverty ; statistics & numerical data ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Singapore ; Smoking Cessation ; methods ; Social Class ; Treatment Outcome ; Weight Reduction Programs ; methods

This study was carried out to analyze the effect of a diet program for adult women on weight loss, BMI, eating habits, sleeping habits, health related indices. The subjects was 415 participants of the 10 weeks (20 time participation program). The data was collected by basic somatometry and HRV (Heart Rate Variability) / APG (Accelerated Plethysmograph) Analyzer. The average age, height, weight and BMI were 28.6 years, 162.1 cm, 62.8 kg and 23.9 kg/m2, respectively. Their body types by BMI were under weight (1.2%), normal (45.8%), overweight (24.8%), mild obesity (22.7%) and obesity (5.5%). There were significant reductions of average weight (4.6 kg) and average BMI (1.75 kg/m2) on the 10th week. There were positive changes in vascular age (50.4%), stress index (44.6%), fatigue index (43.9%), health index (54.5%) of the subjects during the program. There was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, fatigue index, and health index between two groups; one improving the eating habit and the other did not (p < 0.05), and also there was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the fatigue index in both groups improving the sleeping habit (p < 0.05), but was not a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, and health index between two groups. There was a meaningful difference of the average variation for the vascular age, stress index, fatigue index, and health index between two groups improving both eating and sleeping habit (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the weight loss program was effective on the weight loss and BMI reduction and health related indices.
Adult* ; Body Weight* ; Diet* ; Eating ; Fatigue ; Female ; Humans ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Somatotypes ; Weight Loss ; Weight Reduction Programs

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the weight reduction program designed for schizophrenic patients. It's effects were assessed especially in the aspects of the obesity-related quality of life, emotional and physical well-being of the patients. METHODS: Fifty-one obese schizophrenic inpatients were enrolled in a 12-week, randomized weight reduction program. Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group in which they received the weight management program. Nineteen patients were allocated to the control group in which they received the usual clinical inpatient treatments. Body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Quality of Life Scales such as Short Form of Medical Outcome Study (SF-36), Korean version of Obesity-related Quality of Life Scale (KOQOL) and Korean version of Body Weight, Image and Self-Esteem Evaluation Questionnaire (B-WISE-K) were evaluated during 12-week period. All assessments were done at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 week. Repeated measures of analysis of variance and post-hoc comparisons were done to compare the group differences from baseline at each visit. RESULTS: Sixteen of 32 (50%) patients in intervention group and 12 of 19 (69.4%) patients in control group completed this study. We found significant group by time interaction effects in weight, BMI and waist circumferences (p<0.05, respectively). The weight changes from baseline to 8 week and 12 week were significant in post-hoc comparisons between intervention and control groups (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). The changes of BMI and waist circumference from baseline to 12-week were also significant in post-hoc comparisons (p<0.05). After completion of the weight management program, there were significant differences on the subjective estimates such as physical component summary of SF-36, and total scores, psychosocial heath, physical health and diet of the KOQOL, and total scores of B-WISE-K between intervention and control group. These significant differences were found at 12-week of treatment in post-hoc comparisons (p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The weight reduction program was effective for weight loss in schizophrenic inpatients. In addition, it might improve the subjective estimates such as obesity-related quality of life and weight-related body image in schizophrenic inpatients.
Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Diet ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Obesity ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Schizophrenia ; Waist Circumference ; Weight Loss ; Weight Reduction Programs ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES: Body image distortion is found in eating disorder and obesity and there are some evidence that schizophrenia is associated with body image distortion. This study sought to find whether schizophrenic patients report more body image distortion than healthy individuals and whether it is related with symptomatology. METHODS: A total of 88 inpatients with schizophrenia and 88 healthy controls were recruited. Weight, height, and body image accuracy were assessed in all participants, and assessment of mood, psychotic symptom severity and self-esteem, and personal and social performance scale were conducted. RESULTS: The patients with schizophrenia had higher Body Mass Index (p < 0. 001) and underestimated their body size more than controls (26.14% vs. 5.13%, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that lower depressive symptoms and higher scores of general psychopathology predicted underestimation of body size. CONCLUSION: Weight gain and metabolic syndrome are common adverse events of pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia. Thus, underestimation of body size among patients with schizophrenia may interfere with effort to lose weight or seek weight reduction programs. Clinicians need to consider possible unterestimation of underestimation of body size in patients whose general symptomatology is severe.
Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Body Size ; Depression ; Feeding and Eating Disorders ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Obesity ; Psychopathology ; Schizophrenia ; Weight Gain ; Weight Reduction Programs