The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and health-related quality of life in youth with obesity.

The brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism causes functional changes in BDNF, and is associated with obesity and some psychiatric disorders, but its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unknown. This study examined, in youth with obesity, whether carriers of the BDNF Val66met polymorphism Met-alleles (A/A or G/A) differed from noncarriers (G/G) on HRQoL. The participants were 187 adolescents with obesity. Ninety-nine youth were carriers of the homozygous Val/Val (G/G) alleles, and 88 were carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met/Met (A/A) alleles. Blood samples were drawn in the morning after an overnight fast for genotyping. HRQoL was measured using the Pediatric-Quality of Life core version. Compared to carriers of the Val66Met Val (G/G) alleles, carriers of the Met-Alleles reported significantly higher physical -HRQoL (p = 0.02), school-related HRQoL, (p = 0.05), social-related HRQoL (p = 0.05), and total HRQoL (p = 0.03), and a trend for Psychosocial-HRQoL. Research is needed to confirm our findings and determine whether carriers of the BDNF Val66Met homozygous Val (G/G) alleles may be at risk of diminished HRQoL, information that can influence interventions in a high-risk population of inactive youth with obesity.

Effects of 2 months of methylphenidate on energy expenditure in individuals with obesity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Methylphenidate (MPH) has been previously shown to increase resting energy expenditure (REE) in individuals of normal weight; however, the effects on individuals living with obesity are currently unknown. Ten individuals living with obesity were randomly assigned to undergo 60 days of MPH administration with a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight or a placebo control. REE was measured before and after the 60-day intervention. There was a trend toward significance for group × time interaction on REE (p = 0.082) with a large effect size (η2 = 0.331), with MPH administration increasing REE compared to a decrease in placebo control. Preliminary findings from this pilot study show that MPH has the potential to counter the adaptive thermogenic process commonly seen in weight loss. This is a unique finding among pharmacotherapies, as no approved obesity drugs measurably impact REE.

Effects of the HEARTY exercise randomized controlled trial on eating behaviors in adolescents with obesity.

Background: There are well-recognized benefits of behavioral interventions that include exercise for children and adolescents with obesity. However, such behavioral weight management programs may precipitate unintended consequences. It is unclear if different exercise modalities impact eating behaviors differently in youth with obesity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on eating attitudes and behaviors (uncontrolled eating, restrained eating, emotional eating, external eating and food craving) among adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods: N = 304 (70% female) adolescents with overweight and obesity participated in the 6-month Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth (HEARTY) randomized controlled trial. All participants were inactive post-pubertal adolescents (15.6 ± 1.4 years) with a mean BMI = 34.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2. The Food Craving Inventory (food cravings), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (restrained eating, emotional eating, external eating), and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (uncontrolled eating) were used to assess eating attitudes and behaviors. Results: All exercise groups showed within-group decreases in external eating and food cravings. Participants randomized to the Combined training group and were more adherent showed the greatest improvements in eating behaviors and cravings. Conclusions: A 6-month exercise intervention produced improvements in disordered eating behaviors and food cravings, but effects may be gender and modality-specific. Findings highlight the need to tailor exercise intervention to participant characteristics for the promotion of healthier eating and weight management outcomes in youth with obesity.Clinical Trial Registration # and Date: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00195858, September 12, 2005.

Evaluation of a pharmacist-led intervention to improve medication adherence in patients initiating dabigatran treatment: a comparison with standard pharmacy practice in Poland.

BACKROUND: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and rates of non-adherence to dabigatran in Polish populations are high. The current study examined how a pharmacist-led intervention of counselling with pictogram-enhanced medication instructions, and smartphone medication reminders, can improve adherence to dabigatran. METHODS: A 3-month pharmacist-led intervention was conducted in community pharmacies in Poland on 325 men and women filling a dabigatran prescription for the first time. Participating pharmacies were assigned into the Control Group (n = 172 patients) or the Intervention Group (n = 153 patients). The primary outcome of this prospective study was self-reported medication adherence assessed at 3 time points (day 7, day 21, and day 90) after initiation of dabigatran. RESULTS: Patients in the Intervention Group were significantly more adherent (mean days on Dabigatan/week) than the Control Group at 7 days (6.0 ± 0.9 vs 5.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001), 21 days (5.6 ± 1.0 vs 4.9 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001), and 90 days (5.5 ± 1.3 vs 4.4 ± 2.0, p < 0.0001), respectively. The percentage of patients in the Intervention Group who reported taking dabigatran twice/day as prescribed was significantly higher than the Control Group at 7 days (82.7% vs 71.4%, p = 0.0311), at 21 days (84.4% vs 58%, p < 0.0001), and at 90 days (78.4% vs 39.7%, p < 0.0001), respectively. The proportion of patients fully adherent (every day, twice/day) at 90 days was significantly higher in the Intervention Group than in the Control Group (26.1% vs 13.2%, p = 0.0145). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the role for interventions in community pharmacies in Poland to improve medication adherence, thus providing evidence for the efficacy of a pharmacist-led pictogram and smartphone-based program to support optimal dabigatran treatment.

Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: Retrospective chart review.

Background: Medical cannabis has been increasingly used in Canada after being sanctioned by Health Canada in 2001. Insomnia and sleep disorders are among the most common conditions for which patients report using cannabis. Current research shows cannabis may have a beneficial effect in sleep disorders and may improve patient-reported sleep scores. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Hybrid Pharm community pharmacy in Ottawa, Ontario, and included patients who were interested in, or already using, medical cannabis for sleep disorders. A qualitative, exploratory approach was taken to evaluate the descriptive efficacy and safety of medical cannabis when prescribed for insomnia or comorbid conditions. The comprehensive data collection also involved investigating the impact of cannabis on other medication used for insomnia. Results: A total of 38 patients were identified as having adequate follow-up documentation to assess the impact of medical cannabis. At time of data collection, 15 patients (39%) were able to reduce or completely discontinue a prescription medication indicated for sleep. On follow-up, 27 patients (71%) reported a subjective improvement in their sleep or related condition. Only 8 patients (21%) reported any adverse effects from medical cannabis use, and these were manageable and did not require discontinuation of cannabis. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of a pharmacist's role in the management of cannabis-based therapy, including ongoing supportive care, follow-up and medication management. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2022;155:xx-xx.

Patient Perceptions on Receiving Vaccination Services through Community Pharmacies.

(1) Introduction: Pharmacists are medical professionals who play an active role in the protection of public health. Since 2021, pharmacists with an appropriate certification have been authorised to administer vaccines against COVID-19. (2) Objective: The objective of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of patients about receiving vaccinations through community pharmacies. (3) Material and methods: This study was conducted in 2021. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire published on the websites of patient organisations. Ultimately, 1062 patients participated in this study. (4) Results: This study shows that most of the respondents find community pharmacies more accessible than outpatient clinics (85.3%). Sixty-one percent of the respondents stated that getting vaccinated at pharmacies would be less time consuming than at outpatient clinics. Nearly every third respondent (29.5%) declared that they would get vaccinated if they received such a recommendation from a pharmacist. Fifty-six percent of the respondents were of the opinion that the administration of vaccines by pharmacists would relieve the burden on medical staff and the healthcare system. (5) Conclusions: Polish patients participating in the study have a positive attitude towards the implementation of vaccination services in community pharmacies as an effective way of combating infectious diseases.

Health literacy for children and families.

The relationship between reading ability and health, known as health literacy, broadly reflects the skills and competencies required to operate within the healthcare environment. It is only recently that we have seen attempts to conceptualize health literacy in the context of medication use by using terms such as medication literacy. Health literacy changes over one's lifetime and is dependent on factors such as numeracy, education, income, gender and country. Low health literacy and low medication literacy have been identified as significant risk factors for poor health outcomes of adults and children. With an evaluation of common tools used to assess health literacy and medication literacy, the aim of this review is to describe the shared responsibility between patients and healthcare providers for the communication of health and medication information. Key strategies and interventions to improve two-way communication between patients and healthcare providers are highlighted, with a focus on how health literacy can impact child health outcomes.

Two-month administration of methylphenidate improves olfactory sensitivity and suppresses appetite in individuals with obesity.

Olfaction contributes to feeding behaviour and is modulated by changes in dopamine levels. Methylphenidate (MPH) increases brain dopamine levels and has been shown to reduce appetite and promote weight loss in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The objectives of this study were to test the effect of MPH on olfaction, appetite, energy intake, and body weight (BW) on individuals with obesity. In a randomized, double-blind study, 12 participants (age 28.9 ± 6.7 years) with a body mass index (BMI) of 36.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2 were assigned to MPH (0.5 mg/kg) (n = 5) or placebo (n = 7) twice daily for 2 months. Appetite (visual analog scale), odour threshold (Sniffin' Sticks®), energy intake (food menu), and BW (DEXA scan) were measured at day 1 and day 60. MPH intake significantly increased odour threshold scores (6.3 ± 1.4 vs. 9.4 ± 2.1 and 7.9 ± 2.3 vs. 7.8 ± 1.9, respectively; p = 0.029) versus placebo. There was a significantly greater suppression of appetite sensations (desire to eat (p = 0.001), hunger (p = 0.008), prospective food consumption (p = 0.003)) and an increase in fullness (p = 0.028) over time in the MPH versus placebo. MPH suppressed appetite and improved olfactory sensitivity in individuals with obesity. These data provide novel findings on the favourable effects of MPH on appetite and weight regulation in individuals living with obesity.

Associations of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism With Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Energy Intake in Youth With Obesity: Findings From the HEARTY Study.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is functionally related to BDNF, and is associated with obesity and metabolic complications in adults, but limited research exists among adolescents. This study comparatively examined carriers and non-carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on body composition, energy intake, and cardiometabolic profile among adolescents with obesity. The sample consisted of 187 adolescents with obesity; 99 were carriers of the homozygous Val (G/G) alleles and 88 were carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met (A/A) alleles. Cardiometabolic profile and DNA were quantified from fasted blood samples. Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compared to carriers of the homozygous Val (G/G) allele, carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met/Met (A/A) variants exhibited significantly higher protein (p = 0.01) and fat (p = 0.05) intake, C-Reactive protein (p = 0.05), and a trend toward higher overall energy intake (p = 0.07), fat-free mass (p = 0.07), and lower HDL-C (p = 0.07) Results showed for the first time that among youth with obesity, carriers of the Val66Met BDNF Met-alleles exhibited significantly higher C-reactive protein and energy intake in the form of fat and protein compared to Val-allele carriers, thereby providing support for the possible role of BDNF in appetite, weight, and metabolic regulation during adolescence. Clinical Trial Registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT00195858.

Screen time is independently associated with serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in youth with obesity.

Low levels of brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and excessive screen exposure are risk factors for neurocognitive deficits and obesity in youth, but the relationship between screen time and BDNF remains unknown. This study examined whether duration and/or type of sedentary screen time behaviour (TV viewing, video games, recreational computer use) are associated with serum BDNF levels in youth with obesity. The sample consisted of 250 inactive, postpubertal adolescents with obesity (172 females/78 males, aged 15.5 ± 1.4 years) at the baseline assessment of the Healthy Eating, Aerobic, Resistance Training in Youth Study. After controlling for self-reported age, sex, race, parental education, puberty stage, physical activity, and diet, higher total screen exposure was significantly associated with lower serum BDNF levels (ß = -0.21, p = 0.002). TV viewing was the only type of screen behaviour that was associated with BDNF levels (ß = -0.22, p = 0.001). Higher exposure to traditional forms of screen time was independently associated with lower serum BDNF levels, and this association appears to be driven primarily by TV viewing. Future intervention research is needed to determine whether limiting screen time is an effective way to increase BDNF and associated health benefits in a high-risk population of youth with obesity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00195858. Novelty: This study is the first to show that recreational screen time is inversely associated with serum BDNF levels. The inverse association between screen time and BDNF is driven primarily by TV viewing, indicating the type of screen might matter.

No association between dopaminergic polymorphisms and response to treatment of binge-eating disorder.

BACKGROUND: The genetics of binge-eating disorder (BED) is an emerging topic, with dopaminergic genes being implicated in its etiology due to the role that dopamine (DA) plays in food reward sensitivity and self-regulation of eating behavior. However, no study to date has examined if DA genes influence response to behavioral treatment of BED. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the ability of DA-associated polymorphisms to predict BED treatment response measured using binge frequency over 12 months. As secondary objectives, this study examined cross-sectional relationships between these polymorphisms and anthropometrics in women living with and without BED and obesity. METHODS: Women aged 18-64 years old were genotyped for the DA-related SNPs DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A (rs1800497) and COMT (rs4680), as well as the DA-related uVNTRs DAT-1 (SLC6A3) and MAO-A. A multi-locus DA composite score was formed from these 4 polymorphisms using genotypes known to have a functional impact resulting in modified DA signaling. Binge frequency (Eating Disorder Examination - Interview) and body composition (Tanita BC-418) were assessed in a pre-post analysis to examine genetic predictors of treatment response in women living with obesity and BED. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional comparison of three groups of women enrolled in trial group treatment for BED: women living with obesity and BED (n = 72), obesity without BED (n = 27), and normal-weight without BED (n = 45). RESULTS: There were no significant genotype × time interactions related to anthropometrics or binge frequency for any individual DA genotypes, or to the composite score reflecting DA availability. At baseline, there were no significant between-group differences in frequencies of DA-related alleles, nor were there associations between genotypes and anthropometrics. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found no evidence to suggest that the DRD2/ANKK1 Taq1A, COMT, MAO-A, or DAT-1 polymorphisms are associated with response to behavioral intervention for BED as measured by changes in binge frequency. Future studies should examine a greater variety of dopaminergic polymorphisms, other candidate genes that target other neurotransmitter systems, as well as examine their impact on both behavioral and pharmacological-based treatment for BED.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a nationally representative sample of Canadian children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years.

BACKGROUND: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a brief measure of children's and adolescents' mental health. There are different versions of the questionnaire: a version for children and adolescents to complete by self-reporting, a version for parents and guardians to complete ("parent-rated"), and a version for teachers to complete. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the parent-rated SDQ with a nationally representative sample of Canadian children and adolescents. DATA AND METHODS: Data are from cycle 1 (2007 to 2009), cycle 2 (2009 to 2011), cycle 3 (2012 to 2013) and cycle 4 (2014 to 2015) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Data include 7,451 Canadian children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years (49.3% female). Parents and guardians completed the SDQ by reflecting on their child's behaviour over the past six months. Factorial validity was examined via confirmatory factor analysis, which included testing the original five-factor SDQ model and alternative three-factor and higher-order models. Reliability was assessed through composite reliability scores. Measurement invariance across subgroups was also assessed. RESULTS: The original five-factor (i.e., emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, hyperactivity and prosocial behaviour) SDQ fit the data satisfactorily, demonstrated evidence of reliability, and was invariant across sex (male vs. female), age (children vs. adolescents) and survey language (English vs. French). The higher-order solution fit the data acceptably, and the three-factor solution did not fit the data well. DISCUSSION: The original five-factor, parent-rated SDQ demonstrates evidence of factorial validity and reliability as a population measure of mental health difficulties among Canadian children and adolescents.

Effects of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms on binge eating in women with binge-eating disorder: The moderating influence of attachment style.

OBJECTIVES: The genetics of binge-eating disorder (BED) is an emerging topic and one candidate pathway, namely the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, may be implicated because of its role in food reward sensitivity and self-regulation of eating. The aims of this study were to examine the independent effects of variants of FTO on binge frequency in women with and without BED and to examine the moderating role of interpersonal attachment in this association. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional comparison of three groups of women in a trial of group treatment for BED: BED with obesity (n = 73), BED without obesity (n = 55), and normal weight without BED (n = 50). Women were genotyped for five of the most common FTO single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs9939609, rs8050136, rs3751812, rs1421085, and rs1121980, which have been related to body mass index and energy intake. Binge frequency (Eating Disorder Examination), body composition (bioelectric impedance), and attachment (Attachment Style Questionnaire) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences for frequencies of FTO alleles, nor were there any significant anthropometric associations. The FTO × attachment interaction was significant whereby, relative to a low-risk FTO genotype, individuals with a high-risk genotype for the SNP rs1421085 and high-avoidant attachment had higher mean binge frequency than those with high genetic risk but low-avoidant attachment (ß = -7.96; t = -2.07; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: FTO genotypes associated with risk for obesity and loss of control of eating, specifically rs1421085, may interact with insecure attachment in a way that may exacerbate binge eating among women with BED.

Associations between 24 hour movement behaviours and global cognition in US children: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescence are crucial periods for brain development, and the behaviours during a typical 24 h period contribute to cognitive performance. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth recommend at least 60 min physical activity per day, 2 h or less recreational screen time per day, and 9-11 h sleep per night in children aged 8-11 years. We investigated the relationship between adherence to these recommendations and global cognition. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we obtained data from the first annual curated release of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, a 10-year longitudinal, observational study. Data were collected from 21 study sites across the USA between Sept 1, 2016, and Sept 15, 2017. The participants were 4524 US children aged 8-11 years from 20 study sites. Exposures of interest were adherence to the physical activity, recreational screen time, and sleep duration guideline recommendations. The primary outcome was global cognition, assessed with the NIH Toolbox (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA), which we analysed with multivariable linear mixed-effects models to examine the relations with movement behaviour variables. FINDINGS: Complete movement behaviour data were available for 4520 participants. The mean number of guideline recommendations met was 1·1 (SD 0·9). Overall, 2303 (51%) participants met the sleep recommendation, 1655 (37%) met screen time, and 793 (18%) met the physical activity recommendation. 3190 (71%) participants met at least one recommendation, whereas 216 (5%) of participants met all three recommendations. Global cognition was positively associated with each additional recommendation met (ß=1·44, 95% CI 0·82-2·07, p<0·0001). Compared with meeting none of the recommendations, associations with superior global cognition were found in participants who met all three recommendations (ß=3·89, 95% CI 1·43 to 6·34, p=0·0019), the screen time recommendation only (ß=4·25, 2·50-6·01, p<0·0001), and both the screen time and the sleep recommendations (ß=5·15, 3·56-6·74, p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Meeting the 24 h movement recommendations was associated with superior global cognition. These findings highlight the importance of limiting recreational screen time and encouraging healthy sleep to improve cognition in children. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health.

Changes in the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Are Associated with Improvements in Diabetes Risk Factors after Exercise Training in Adolescents with Obesity: The HEARTY Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obesity in youth increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and both are risk factors for neurocognitive deficits. Exercise attenuates the risk of obesity and T2D while improving cognitive function. In adults, these benefits are associated with the actions of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein critical in modulating neuroplasticity, glucose regulation, fat oxidation, and appetite regulation in adults. However, little research exists in youth. This study examined the associations between changes in diabetes risk factors and changes in BDNF levels after 6 months of exercise training in adolescents with obesity. The sample consisted of 202 postpubertal adolescents with obesity (70% females) aged 14-18 years who were randomized to 6 months of aerobic and/or resistance training or nonexercise control. All participants received a healthy eating plan designed to induce a 250/kcal deficit per day. Resting serum BDNF levels and diabetes risk factors, such as fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-B-beta cell insulin secretory capacity) and (HOMA-IS-insulin sensitivity), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were measured after an overnight fast at baseline and 6 months. There were no significant intergroup differences on changes in BDNF or diabetes risk factors. In the exercise group, increases in BDNF were associated with reductions in fasting glucose (ß = -6.57, SE = 3.37, p = 0.05) and increases in HOMA-B (ß = 0.093, SE = 0.03, p = 0.004) after controlling for confounders. No associations were found between changes in diabetes risk factors and BDNF in controls. In conclusion, exercise-induced reductions in some diabetes risk factors were associated with increases in BDNF in adolescents with obesity, suggesting that exercise training may be an effective strategy to promote metabolic health and increases in BDNF, a protein favoring neuroplasticity. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00195858, September 12, 2005 (funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research).

Effects of prenatal exposure to cigarettes on anthropometrics, energy intake, energy expenditure, and screen time in children.

BACKGROUND: Maternal prenatal smoking is associated with downstream childhood obesity. Although animal research suggests reduced resting energy expenditure (REE), decreased physical activity (PA), and increased energy intake as mechanisms, these relationships are unclear in humans. The objectives were to examine the association of prenatal maternal smoking with non-volitional energy expenditure (REE and the thermic effect of feeding [TEF]), child adiposity, energy intake, free-living PA (daily light PA (LPA), daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), daily sedentary behavior (SB)), and screen time (television and computer/video game) in children. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal study, 46 children (n = 27 controls and n = 19 smoking exposed) with mean age 7.6 ±â€¯2 years were recruited. Body weight and composition (Bioelectrical Impedance), height (Stadiometer), waist circumference (cm; tape), BMI (kg/m2), REE (kcal/day; indirect calorimetry), PA (minutes; Accelerometry), screen time (hours; self-report) and ad libitum energy intake (lunch buffet; 7-day food log) were measured. Effects sizes were evaluated using Cohen's d. RESULTS: Relative to controls, after controlling for age and family income, children who were exposed to cigarette smoke in utero exhibited greater waist circumference (p = 0.04, Cohen's d = 1.03), percent body fat (%BF; p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.97), and a trend for BMI (p = 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.86). Exposed children did not differ in REE (trend for lower: p = 0.1, Cohen's d = 0.42) or TEF but were shown to have significantly higher ad libitum energy intake (p = 0.02, Cohen's D = 0.70) from the palatable lunch buffet, but not from the out of laboratory 7-day energy intake (p = 0.8). Examining screen time behaviors, exposed children spent more time watching television during the week (p = 0.03, Cohen's D = 0.82), and overall television watching (p = 0.02, Cohen's D = 0.80); there were no group differences in any other screen time behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to cigarette smoke in utero exhibit greater adiposity, and this exposure may have as contributing factors higher screen time, ad libitum energy intake, and a trend for reduced REE. The data suggest that lifestyle factors such as diet and screen time represent targets for obesity prevention in a high-risk population of young children exposed to prenatal cigarette smoke. Findings also highlight the need for smoking cessation programs to reduce downstream obesity in offspring.

Effects of aerobic training, resistance training, or both on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adolescents with obesity: The hearty randomized controlled trial.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays a critical role in modulating cognition in animals and humans. Aerobic exercise often increases BDNF in adults, but effects of this exercise modality and others among adolescents remain uncertain. This study examined the effects of aerobic training, resistance training, and combined training on resting serum BDNF levels in adolescents with overweight and obesity. After a 4-week pre-randomization treatment, 304 post-pubertal, adolescents with overweight or obesity (70% females) aged 14-18 years were randomized to one of four groups for 22 weeks: aerobic training (N = 75), resistance training (N = 78), combined aerobic and resistance training (N = 75), or non-exercising control (N = 76). All participants received dietary counseling targeting a daily energy deficit of 250 kcal. The exercise prescription was 4 times per week, progressing to 45 min/session for the aerobic and resistance groups and 90 min/session for the combined group. Resting serum BDNF levels were measured at baseline and 6-months. Results showed that in both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (≥70% adherence to prescribed sessions) analyses, there were no significant within- or between-group changes in BDNF. Findings indicate that aerobic training, resistance training or their combination did change serum BDNF levels in adolescents with overweight and obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00195858 http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00195858, September 12, 2005 (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research).

Investigating predictors of eating: is resting metabolic rate really the strongest proxy of energy intake?

Background: Evidence suggests that fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate (RMR), but not fat mass, are strong predictors of energy intake (EI). However, body composition and RMR do not explain the entire variance in EI, suggesting that other factors may contribute to this variance.Objective: We aimed to investigate the associations between body mass index (in kg/m2), fat mass, fat-free mass, and RMR with acute (1 meal) and daily (24-h) EI and between fasting appetite ratings and certain eating behavior traits with daily EI. We also evaluated whether RMR is a predictor of the error variance in acute and daily EI.Design: Data collected during the control condition of 7 studies conducted in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, were included in these analyses (n = 191 and 55 for acute and daily EI, respectively). These data include RMR (indirect calorimetry), body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), fasting appetite ratings (visual analog scales), eating behavior traits (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), and EI (food buffet or menu).Results: Fat-free mass was the best predictor of acute EI (R2 = 0.46; P < 0.0001). The combination of fasting prospective food consumption ratings and RMR was the best predictor of daily EI (R2 = 0.44; P < 0.0001). RMR was a statistically significant positive predictor of the error variance for acute (R2 = 0.20; P < 0.0001) and daily (R2 = 0.23; P < 0.0001) EI. RMR did, however, remain a statistically significant predictor of acute (R2 = 0.32; P < 0.0001) and daily (R2 = 0.30; P < 0.0001) EI after controlling for this error variance.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that combined measurements of appetite ratings and RMR could be used to estimate EI in weight-stable individuals. However, greater error variance in acute and daily EI with increasing RMR values was observed. Future studies are needed to identify whether greater fluctuations in daily EI over time occur with increasing RMR values. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02653378.

Brain on Fire: Incentive Salience, Hedonic Hot Spots, Dopamine, Obesity, and Other Hunger Games.

This review examines human feeding behavior in light of psychological motivational theory and highlights the importance of midbrain dopamine (DA). Prospective evidence of both reward surfeit and reward deficit pathways to increased body weight are evaluated, and we argue that it is more complex than an either/or scenario when examining DA's role in reward sensitivity, eating, and obesity. The Taq1A genotype is a common thread that ties the contrasting models of DA reward and obesity; this genotype related to striatal DA is not associated with obesity class per se but may nevertheless confer an increased risk of weight gain. We also critically examine the concept of so-called food addiction, and despite growing evidence, we argue that there is currently insufficient human data to warrant this diagnostic label. The surgical and pharmacological treatments of obesity are discussed, and evidence is presented for the selective use of DA-class drugs in obesity treatment.