B cell epitope spreading: mechanisms and contribution to autoimmune diseases.

While a variety of factors act to trigger or initiate autoimmune diseases, the process of epitope spreading is an important contributor in their development. Epitope spreading is a diversification of the epitopes recognized by the immune system. This process happens to both T and B cells, with this review focusing on B cells.

Problem solving, treatment adherence, and weight-loss outcome among women participating in lifestyle treatment for obesity.

Objective: This study examined whether improvements in problem-solving abilities mediate the relation between treatment adherence and weight-loss outcome in the behavioral treatment of obesity.

Method: 272 women (mean+/-SD age=59.4+/-6.

The contributions of weight loss and increased physical fitness to improvements in health-related quality of life.

The relative contribution of obesity versus poor fitness to adverse health outcomes and diminished quality of life remains an area of controversy. Indeed, some researchers contend that poor cardiorespiratory fitness represents a greater threat to health and health-related quality of life than excess body weight. We addressed this issue by providing 298 obese 50-75 year-old women with a six-month lifestyle intervention that incorporated a low-calorie eating pattern coupled with an aerobic exercise program consisting of 30 min/day of brisk walking.

Preoperative eating behavior, postoperative dietary adherence, and weight loss after gastric bypass surgery.

Background: To investigate the relationship between preoperative eating behavior, postoperative dietary adherence and weight loss after gastric bypass surgery in a major, urban medical center with a comprehensive bariatric surgery program. Despite the significant weight loss and dramatic improvements in co-morbidities associated with bariatric surgery, a significant minority of patients appear to experience suboptimal weight loss. The reasons for this are not well understood, but the suboptimal weight loss is often attributed to preoperative psychosocial characteristics and/or eating behaviors, as well as poor adherence to the recommended postoperative diet.

History of sexual abuse among bariatric surgery candidates.

Background: A history of sexual abuse is associated with a range of psychosocial difficulties and health risk behaviors in the general population. Sexual abuse also appears to be a risk factor for the development of obesity. Little is known, however, about the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of sexual abuse among persons with extreme obesity who seek bariatric surgery.

A comparison of weight histories in women with class III vs. class I-II obesity.

Objective: To describe the weight histories of women with extreme or class III obesity (BMI >or= 40 kg/m2) in comparison with a sample of women with class I-II obesity (BMI < 40 kg/m2) and to provide reliability data for a clinical instrument that assesses weight history.

Research Methods And Procedures: Female patients (N = 149) with extreme obesity seeking bariatric surgery and 90 class I-II obese women seeking behavioral treatment completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory (WALI), a self-report instrument that assesses age of onset of obesity, maximum weight at different ages, family weight history, and weight changes related to pregnancy. Test-retest reliability data were obtained by administering the WALI to a subsample (n = 58) of class I-II obese participants at their initial visit and at another pretreatment visit 1 to 2 weeks later.

Previous weight loss experiences of bariatric surgery candidates: how much have patients dieted prior to surgery?

Objective: To describe the dieting histories of bariatric surgery candidates.

Research Methods And Procedures: One hundred seventy-seven individuals with extreme obesity who sought bariatric surgery completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, a self-report instrument that assesses several variables, including weight and dieting history. Patients' dieting histories were further explored with an aided recall during a preoperative behavioral/psychological evaluation performed by a mental health professional.

Night eating syndrome and binge eating disorder among persons seeking bariatric surgery: prevalence and related features.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) and their related behavioral and psychological correlates in persons who sought bariatric surgery.

Research Methods And Procedures: A consecutive series of 215 persons with extreme obesity (82% women, 70% European American) completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory and a semistructured interview as part of a pre-surgery behavioral/psychological assessment. Diagnoses for NES and BED were based on graded diagnostic criteria.

Pregnancy and obesity: a review and agenda for future research.

At present, more than 60% of American women of childbearing age are either overweight or obese. As the obesity epidemic in the United States and many other countries continues to grow unchecked, there is greater interest in the relationship between obesity and other major health issues. This paper reviews the literature on the relationship between obesity and pregnancy.

Night eating syndrome and binge eating disorder among persons seeking bariatric surgery: prevalence and related features.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) and their related behavioral and psychological correlates in persons who sought bariatric surgery.

Research Methods And Procedures: A consecutive series of 215 persons with extreme obesity (82% women, 70% European American) completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory and a semistructured interview as part of a pre-surgery behavioral/psychological assessment. Diagnoses for NES and BED were based on graded diagnostic criteria.

Previous weight loss experiences of bariatric surgery candidates: how much have patients dieted prior to surgery?

Objective: To describe the dieting histories of bariatric surgery candidates.

Research Methods And Procedures: One hundred seventy-seven individuals with extreme obesity who sought bariatric surgery completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, a self-report instrument that assesses several variables, including weight and dieting history. Patients' dieting histories were further explored with an aided recall during a preoperative behavioral/psychological evaluation performed by a mental health professional.

A comparison of weight histories in women with class III vs. class I-II obesity.

Objective: To describe the weight histories of women with extreme or class III obesity (BMI >or= 40 kg/m(2)) in comparison with a sample of women with class I-II obesity (BMI < 40 kg/m(2)) and to provide reliability data for a clinical instrument that assesses weight history.

Research Methods And Procedures: Female patients (N = 149) with extreme obesity seeking bariatric surgery and 90 class I-II obese women seeking behavioral treatment completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory (WALI), a self-report instrument that assesses age of onset of obesity, maximum weight at different ages, family weight history, and weight changes related to pregnancy. Test-retest reliability data were obtained by administering the WALI to a subsample (n = 58) of class I-II obese participants at their initial visit and at another pretreatment visit 1 to 2 weeks later.

A prospective, multi-site investigation of patient satisfaction and psychosocial status following cosmetic surgery.

Background: Although several studies have investigated patient satisfaction and changes in body image following aesthetic plastic surgery, few have investigated more specific dimensions of body image, including dysphoric emotions that occur in specific social situations or body image quality of life. In addition, few studies have investigated changes in body image that may occur in concert with changes in more general areas of psychosocial functioning, such as depressive symptoms and self-esteem.

Objective: This prospective, multi-site study investigated postoperative satisfaction and changes in psychosocial status following cosmetic surgery.

Psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric treatment among bariatric surgery candidates.

Background: This study investigated the psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric treatment histories of 90 bariatric surgery candidates.

Methods: Prior to surgery, all participants completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Participants also underwent a behavioral/psychological evaluation with a psychologist, which reviewed responses to the measures and provided further assessment of participants' psychiatric status.