Measurement and Correlates of Food Selection Motivations in a United States Sample.

In this study, we explored the factors that motivate food choice, and evaluated the psychometric properties and demographic correlates of the Eating Motivation (EATMOT) questionnaire in adults in the United States (US). This cross-sectional survey involved 905 adults in 6 sites across the US. The EATMOT questionnaire measures participants' self-reported motivations for food selection, demographic, and anthropometric data.

Cooking Up Energy: A Culinary Education Program for Children with Parent Outreach.

Culinary interventions show promise in preventing obesity. The (CUE) program aimed to improve weight status and attitudes held about healthy foods, as well as increase cooking self-efficacy and frequency of meal preparation, in children 6-12 years of age. We provided 10 one-hour long culinary and nutrition education sessions.

Obesity with Comorbid Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Narrative Review to Inform Dietetics Practice.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem among women; clinical treatment guidelines include weight reduction as a strategy for controlling urinary leakage. The purpose of this review was to gather evidence on the association between obesity and SUI and to ascertain whether there are any special considerations for implementing medical nutrition therapy with community-dwelling, obese, adult females with comorbid SUI. Five key findings emerged: epidemiologic studies consistently report statistically significant associations between obesity and SUI, randomized control trials found that weight loss appears to ameliorate SUI symptoms, the SUI-activity link may affect weight management, there is a potential interplay between SUI and the obesity-sleep connection, and dietary components are associated with the exacerbation of urinary symptoms.

Cooking Up Energy with Predominately Latino Children during Afterschool Hours.

Objectives: We investigated the impact on body weight status and food-related behaviors following participation in the Cooking Up Energy® (CUE) Program.

Methods: Children 7-11 years old attended 10 cooking/nutrition education sessions. Baseline and post-program weight, height and waist circumference measurements, frequency of participation in meal preparation and food frequency questionnaires were obtained.

Blending better beverage options: a nutrition education and experiential workshop for youths.

Objective: To reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in youths as a means to reduce obesity risk.

Methods: Youths 5-14 years old attending a summer program were given a two-hour workshop addressing the sugar content in SSBs, the health risks from drinking SSBs, and hands-on preparation as well as tastings of low-sugar beverage alternatives. Data on usual intake of SSBs was obtained at baseline, and pre- and postprogram surveys were conducted to gauge change in knowledge and/or attitudes regarding SSBs.

Calories in the classroom: celebration foods offered and consumed during classroom parties at an elementary school in a low-income, urban community.

Background: The school food environment is an important area of exploration in investigating the potential for schoolchildren to consume foods and beverages containing excess calories on school grounds. Several venues offer schoolchildren access to lownutrient, calorie-dense foods and beverages. Classroom celebrations offer such a venue; however, little is known about current practices during these events.

Classroom "cupcake" celebrations: observations of foods offered and consumed.

Objective: To describe food and beverage types offered and consumed during classroom celebrations at an elementary school in a low-income, urban community. In addition, to report student intake of fresh fruit provided alongside other party foods.

Methods: Observations held during 4 classroom celebrations.

When prevention fails: obesity treatment strategies.

The obesity epidemic has resulted in increasingly urgent calls for large-scale prevention strategies. Meanwhile, effective treatment approaches that result in sustainable weight loss are needed to attenuate the cardiometabolic risks that may lead to comorbid illnesses and early mortality. Public education efforts geared toward those afflicted with obesity should emphasize that a relatively modest reduction in body weight dramatically reduces disease risk, thereby improving overall long-term health.

Overweight and obesity: key components of cardiometabolic risk.

The current obesity epidemic is a major public health concern worldwide, in both developed and developing countries, and in adults and children alike. Obesity confers physical stress on multiple biologic processes and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer, among other serious diseases. Therefore, it is essential that all health care providers take an active role in addressing the issue of obesity with their patients to reduce their cardiometabolic risks.

The challenge of treating obesity: the endocannabinoid system as a potential target.

Obesity and cardiometabolic risk, or the metabolic syndrome, continue to be major public health concerns. To date, treatment with lifestyle and pharmacotherapy interventions has resulted in limited efficacy in reversing the upward trend in this present-day health crisis. Research reveals that a modest 5% to 10% weight loss results in substantial improvement in health.

Cannabinoid-1 receptor blockade in cardiometabolic risk reduction: efficacy.

Intra-abdominal fat mass, or central adiposity, and cardiovascular risk are strongly correlated. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that secretes hormones and cytokines influencing appetite, energy metabolism, and atherosclerosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines recommend that if dietary and lifestyle interventions fail to produce favorable outcomes in individuals with a body mass index >27 and weight-related comorbidities, as well as those with a body mass index >30, treatment plans may include weight loss medication.

Cardiovascular disease in obesity: A review of related risk factors and risk-reduction strategies.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality in men and women. Currently, two thirds of US adults are overweight or obese. CVD and obesity are closely linked and together take a substantial toll on the health of individuals and the community.