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Psychotherapy offers obesity prevention for 'at risk' teenage girls

A pilot study found that Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) can help 'at risk' teenage girls stabilize or reduce their body mass index (BMI), preventing excessive weight gain. IPT targets social and interpersonal difficulties linked to loss of control eating, a key factor in childhood obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 15, 2009

UTMB study identifies women at risk of gaining excessive weight with injectable birth control

Researchers identified 'early gainers' who averaged 24 pounds of weight gain over three years, linked to increased abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome. The study recommends physicians tailor counseling based on women's risk factors and suggest alternative contraception methods for those who gain significant weight.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 24, 2009

Does mom know when enough is enough?

Research suggests that mothers who miss signs of satiety in their infants tend to overfeed them, leading to excess weight gain. The study found that maternal sensitivity to infant signals at 3 and 6 months predicted infant weight gain from 6-12 months.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 11, 2009

Mind over muscle

A Temple-led study found that a two-phased program combining body image group counseling sessions and nicotine patches was more effective in helping young women quit smoking and maintain weight loss. The program showed an 18% rate of smoking cessation, compared to 8% for the exercise-only group.

Eating less may not extend life

A new study found that caloric restriction does not extend the life of lean mice, contradicting previous findings. Obese mice, however, benefited from caloric restriction, suggesting it may be a useful strategy for weight loss. The researchers propose that energy expenditure and intake should be in balance.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 22, 2009

When it's not just baby weight

Researchers found that overweight and obese women who thought they weighed less than they actually did at the start of pregnancy had seven times the odds of gaining excessive weight during their pregnancy. In contrast, normal weight women who thought they weighed more than they actually did had twice the odds of gaining excessive weight.

SourceTemple University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateDec 22, 2008

Who are you kidding?

Research found that normal-weight mothers who accurately assessed their pre-pregnancy weight had half the odds of excessive gestational weight gain compared to those who underestimated. Under-assessors were younger, non-white, lower-income, and less educated, with poorer dietary habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateDec 22, 2008

Simple blood test predicts obesity

Researchers at Monell Center found that changes in blood triglyceride levels after a high-fat meal can indicate susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. The study suggests that such a simple blood test could be used to identify individuals at risk, particularly children, and target obesity prevention resources.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateOct 30, 2008

The Internet, alcohol and sleep

A new study found that more Internet time, less sleep, and higher alcohol consumption are associated with weight gain in adolescent girls. Girls who consumed 2 or more alcoholic beverages a week or slept less than 6 hours a night gained more weight.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 9, 2008