Portion size effects on weight gain in a free living setting.

Objective: Examine the effect of weekday exposure over 6 months to different lunch sizes on energy intake and body weight in a free-living sample of working adults.

Methods: Adults (n = 233) were randomly assigned to one of three lunch size groups (400 kcal, 800 kcal, and 1,600 kcal) or to a no-free lunch control group for 6 months. Weight and energy intake were measured at baseline, and months 1, 3, and 6.

Household obesity prevention: Take Action--a group-randomized trial.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate an intervention to prevent weight gain among households (HHs) in the community. Ninety HHs were randomized to intervention or control group for 1 year. Intervention consisted of six face-to-face group sessions, placement of a television (TV) locking device on all home TVs, and home-based intervention activities.

Worksite environment intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers.

Objective: The results of an 18-month worksite intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers are reported.

Methods: Four garages in a major metropolitan area were randomized to intervention or control groups. Data were collected during the fall of 2005 prior to the start of the intervention and during the fall of 2007, after the intervention ended.

Capturing the spectrum of household food and beverage purchasing behavior: a review.

The household setting may be the most important level at which to understand the food choices of individuals and how healthful food choices can be promoted. However, there are few available measures of the food purchase behaviors of households and little consensus on the best way to measure it. This review explores the currently available measures of household food purchasing behavior.

Worksite environment physical activity and healthy food choices: measurement of the worksite food and physical activity environment at four metropolitan bus garages.

Background: The present research describes a measure of the worksite environment for food, physical activity and weight management. The worksite environment measure (WEM instrument) was developed for the Route H Study, a worksite environmental intervention for weight gain prevention in four metro transit bus garages in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Use of a Web-based component of a nutrition and physical activity behavioral intervention with Girl Scouts.

This study describes the development and usage of a Web-based component of a nutrition and physical activity behavioral intervention to promote bone health among preadolescent girls. Thirty Girl Scout troops were randomized to either an intervention or control group for a 2-year period. Girls in the intervention troops (aged 10 to 12 years, N=194) were exposed to grade-specific Web sites that were developed to reinforce the content of the broader, face-to-face intervention.

Food environment in secondary schools: a la carte, vending machines, and food policies and practices.

Objectives: This study described the food environment in 20 Minnesota secondary schools.

Methods: Data were collected on school food policies and the availability and nutritional content of foods in school à la carte (ALC) areas and vending machines (VMs).

Results: Approximately 36% and 35% of foods in ALC areas and in VMs, respectively, met the lower-fat criterion (< or = 5.