Peanut consumption in adolescents is associated with improved weight status.

Studies have shown an association between nut consumption and health benefits in adults such as lower lipid levels, lower body mass indices, and reduced risk of coronary artery disease. Few studies have demonstrated these health benefits in children. To determine the association between peanut consumption and weight, intake of nutrients of concern, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol in Mexican American children, baseline data from 262 sixth-grade students (48% female) in a school-based weight management program were analyzed to compare differences between peanut and non-peanut eaters.

Achieving long-term weight maintenance in Mexican-American adolescents with a school-based intervention.

Purpose: This study evaluated 24-month outcomes of a school-based intensive lifestyle weight management program targeting overweight Mexican-American adolescents.

Methods: We recruited a total of 71 adolescents (32 males; 45.1%) between the ages of 10 and 14 years, at or above the 85th percentile for body mass index (BMI).

Impact of a school-based pediatric obesity prevention program facilitated by health professionals.

Background: This study evaluated a school-based obesity intervention for elementary school children (N = 835) where health professionals assisted teachers with the integration of healthy messages into the school curriculum.

Methods: Schools were randomized into a professional-facilitated intervention (PFI; N = 4) or a self-help (SH; N = 3) condition. Changes in weight-based outcomes were assessed in students enrolled in the second grade from all 7 schools (overall: N = 835 students; PFI: N = 509 students, SH: N = 326 students).

The application of the Yerkes-Dodson law in a childhood weight management program: examining weight dissatisfaction.

Objective: To determine the effect of dissatisfaction with one's weight on outcomes in a weight management program.

Methods: Participants included 149 children between the ages of 11 and 14 years who were enrolled in an intensive weight loss intervention. All participants had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile.

Evaluation of treatment effects in obese children with co-morbid medical or psychiatric conditions.

The need for effective treatments for pediatric overweight is well known. To evaluate the applicability of an evidence-based treatment in an applied clinic setting that includes children with severe obesity and comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions. Forty-eight overweight children and their families were provided an evidence-based intervention at a for-profit clinic.

Brief report: gum chewing affects standardized math scores in adolescents.

Unlabelled: Gum chewing has been shown to improve cognitive performance in adults; however, gum chewing has not been evaluated in children. This study examined the effects of gum chewing on standardized test scores and class grades of eighth grade math students. Math classes were randomized to a gum chewing (GC) condition that provided students with gum during class and testing, or a control condition with no gum (NGC).

Increasing vegetable intake in Mexican-American youth: a randomized controlled trial.

Despite the health benefits, vegetable intake in youth remains below recommended levels. The purpose of our study was to compare two methods for increasing vegetable consumption. It was hypothesized that participants randomized to both the exposure-only and the pairing condition would increase their vegetable consumption and increase the variety of vegetables consumed.

Smaller weight changes in standardized body mass index in response to treatment as weight classification increases.

Objectives: To compare the differential efficacy of a weight loss program for Mexican-American children who are overweight, obese, and severely obese.

Study Design: Study participants were enrolled in an intensive weight loss intervention aimed at improving eating and physical activity behaviors with behavior modification strategies. Participants included 212 children (45% female) between the ages of 9 and 14 (mean = 12.

Effects of a school-based weight maintenance program for Mexican-American children: results at 2 years.

The prevalence of childhood overweight has increased significantly, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Many negative health outcomes are associated with overweight; thus, there is a need for effective weight-loss interventions tailored to this group. This study evaluated 24-month outcomes of a randomized, controlled trial involving an intensive lifestyle-based weight maintenance program targeting overweight Mexican-American children at a charter school in Houston, Texas.

Relation between adiposity and disease risk factors in Mexican American children.

Objective: Excess adiposity is associated with systemic low-grade inflammation, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between measures of adiposity and disease risk factors in Mexican American children participating in a weight loss intervention.

Subjects And Methods: Boys and girls (N=170; 13.

Behavioral management of obesity.

The behavioral management of obesity is an approach designed to provide individuals with a set of skills that promote a healthier weight. A number of strategies are used to assist individuals in making gradual changes that can realistically be incorporated into their lives. Evidence is promising for behavioral programs, as results demonstrate an 8% to 10% reduction in initial weight during the first 6 months to 1 year of treatment.

Brief report: weight dissatisfaction, weight status, and weight loss in Mexican-American children.

Objective: To assess the association between weight dissatisfaction, weight status, and weight loss in Mexican-American children participating in a weight management program.

Methods: Participants included 265 Mexican American children recruited for a school-based weight management program. All children completed baseline assessments and changes in standardized body mass index (zBMI) were monitored in at-risk for overweight and overweight children (i.

Quality of life in Mexican-American children following a weight management program.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in at-risk-for-overweight and overweight Mexican-American children after participating in 6 months of intensive weight management or self-help.

Research Methods And Procedures: Eighty sixth- and seventh-grade at-risk-for-overweight (BMI >or=85th to <95th percentile) and overweight (BMI >or=95th percentile) Mexican-American children were randomly assigned to either intensive instructor-led intervention (ILI) or self-help (SH). The ILI condition included daily participation for 12 weeks in a school-based program comprised of nutrition education, physical activity, and behavior modification, followed by ongoing monthly maintenance.

Weight loss in overweight Mexican American children: a randomized, controlled trial.

Objectives: Childhood overweight has increased significantly in the past 20 years, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Although this minority group is in significant need of intervention, few programs have demonstrated actual decreases in weight. In this study we evaluated an intensive healthy lifestyle program designed to result in weight reduction for overweight Mexican American children.

Results of an intensive school-based weight loss program with overweight Mexican American children.

Childhood overweight has increased significantly in the past 20 years, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Schools are an optimal setting for intervention efforts; however, few programs have demonstrated actual decreases in weight. This study evaluated an intensive school-based program designed to result in weight reduction for overweight Mexican American children.

Inflammatory markers are elevated in overweight Mexican-American children.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of body weight on blood lipid profile, insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in Mexican-American children.

Methods: Children (13.3+/-0.

Reduced quality of life in very overweight Mexican American adolescents.

Quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL) was assessed for 175 Mexican American adolescents with measured height and weight used to determine body mass index (BMI) percentile/weight classification. Main effects for weight classification were detected using One-way ANOVAs (p < .05 for total, physical, and psychosocial), with the heaviest adolescents demonstrating the lowest ratings.