A Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention Produces Favourable Changes in Diet Quality and Cardiometabolic Risk Indices in Hypercholesterolaemic Adults.

A multicomponent lifestyle intervention produces favourable changes in diet quality and cardiometabolic risk indices in hypercholesterolaemic adults.

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2013 Mar 20;
Petrogianni M, Kanellakis S, Kallianioti K, Argyropoulou D, Pitsavos C, Manios Y

BACKGROUND: To date, there are no dietary intervention studies available jointly examining the changes produced in cardiometabolic risk indices and diet quality assessed with the Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI-2005). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 3-month multicomponent lifestyle intervention on several cardiometabolic risk indices, physical activity levels and diet quality. METHODS: A total sample of 108 hypercholesterolaemic adults (40-60 years old) were randomised to two intervention groups provided with and instructed to consume daily: (i) plain milk (n = 37) or (ii) enriched milk (n = 40) respectively; both groups were attending a 3-month dietary counselling programme. For the needs of the present study both intervention groups were analysed together IG: n = 77) and were compared against a control group following usual diet (CG: n = 31). RESULTS: Regarding diet quality HEI scores for ‘milk’ (P = 0.021), ‘dark green/orange vegetables and legumes’ (P = 0.050) and ‘total HEI score’ (P = 0.045) were improved in the IG compared to the CG. The IG also improved ‘whole grains’ and ‘calories from solid fats, alcoholic beverages and added sugars’ scores compared to their baseline values. Both groups improved the ‘total vegetable’ HEI score. Regarding physical activity levels and cardiometabolic risk indices, the IG significantly increased the daily number of steps (P = 0.005) and decreased body weight (P = 0.021), body mass index (P = 0.019) and waist circumference (P = 0.027) to a higher extent compared to the changes observed in the CG. Moreover, the IG significantly decreased systolic (P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.050) compared to baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that this 3-month lifestyle and nutrition counselling intervention programme appears to have favourable effects on diet quality, physical activity levels, anthropometric and certain cardiometabolic risk indices. HubMed – eating

Using the Medical Research Council framework to develop a complex intervention to improve delivery of care for young people with Type 1 diabetes.

Diabet Med. 2013 Mar 20;
Eiser C, Johnson B, Brierley S, Ayling K, Young V, Bottrell K, Whitehead V, Elliott J, Scott A, Heller S

AIMS: We describe how we have used the development phase of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Guidelines to construct a complex intervention to improve physical and psychological health among young people (16-21 years) with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We consulted previous reviews where available and conducted systematic searches of electronic databases to determine physical and mental health among the population, audited medical records, surveyed self-reported psychological health among our clinic population; and interviewed staff (n = 13), young people (n = 27) and parents (n = 18) about their views of current care. RESULTS: Our audit (n = 96) confirmed a high HbA1c [86 mmol/mol (10.0%)] and one third (36.1%) reported significant eating problems. Young people did not attend 12% of their clinic appointments. Staff described difficulties communicating with young people who wanted staff to take account of their individual lifestyle when giving information. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the systematic reviews and our audit, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence to justify development of a model of care specific to this age group. The components of the complex intervention include changes to standard care, an optional 5-day self-management course directed at young people and a separate family communication programme. The MRC Guidelines provided a valuable structure to guide development and evaluation of this intervention. © 2013 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2013 Diabetes UK. HubMed – eating

The assessment of weight status in children and young people attending a spina bifida outpatient clinic: a retrospective medical record review.

Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Mar 19;
McPherson AC, Swift JA, Yung E, Lyons J, Church P

Abstract Purpose: Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to become overweight or obese than typically developing children. Children with spina bifida (SB) are at particular risk, yet obesity prevalence and weight management with this population are under-researched. This retrospective chart review explored how weight is assessed and discussed in a children’s SB outpatient clinic. Method: Height/weight data were extracted from records of children aged 2-18 with a diagnosis of SB attending an outpatient clinic at least once between June 2009-2011. Body mass index was calculated and classified using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut-offs. Notes around weight, diet and physical/sedentary activities were transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive thematic analysis. Results: Of 180 eligible patients identified, only 63 records had sufficient data to calculate BMI; 15 patients were overweight (23.81%) and 11 obese (17.46%). Weight and physical activity discussions were typically related to function (e.g. mobility, pain). Diet discussions focused on bowel and bladder function and dietary challenges. Conclusions: Anthropometrics were infrequently recorded, leaving an incomplete picture of weight status in children with SB and suggesting that weight is not prioritised. Bowel/bladder function was highlighted over other benefits of a healthy body weight, indicating that health promotion opportunities are being missed. Implications for Rehabilitation It is important to assess, categorise and record anthropometric data for children and youth with spina bifida as they may be at particular risk of excess weight. Information around weight categorisation should be discussed openly and non-judgmentally with children and their families. Health promotion opportunities may be missed by focusing solely on symptom management or function. Healthcare professionals should emphasise the broad benefits of healthy eating and physical activity, offering strategies to enable the child to incorporate healthy lifestyle behaviours appropriate to their level of ability. HubMed – eating

What Experts Have To Say About Teen Body Image and Eating Disorders – A segment from Teens In Action Presents… Under Pressure: Teen Body Image and Eating DIsorders.