No effect of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on food craving, food reward and subjective appetite in females displaying mild-to-moderate binge-type behaviour.

Previous work suggests there may be an effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on appetite control in people at risk of overconsumption, however findings are inconsistent. This study aimed to further understand the potential eating behaviour trait-dependent effect of tDCS, specifically in those with binge-type behaviour. Seventeen females (23 ± 7 years, 25.4 ± 3.8 kg m-2) with mild-to-moderate binge eating behaviour completed two sessions of double-blind, randomised and counterbalanced anodal and sham tDCS applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 2.0 mA for 20 min. Subjective appetite visual analogue scales (VAS), the Food Craving Questionnaire-State (FCQ-S), and Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) were completed pre- and post-tDCS. Participants then consumed a fixed-energy meal, followed by the VAS, FCQ-S and LFPQ. No difference between pre- and post-tDCS scores were found across fullness (p = 0.275, BF10 = 0.040), prospective consumption (p = 0.127, BF10 = 0.063), desire to eat (p = 0.247, BF10 = 0.054) or FCQ-S measures (p = 0.918, BF10 = 0.040) when comparing active and sham protocols. Only explicit liking and wanting for high-fat sweet foods were significantly different between conditions, with increased scores following active tDCS. When controlling for baseline hunger, the significant differences were removed (p = 0.138 to 0.161, BF10 = 0.810 to 1.074). The present data does not support the eating behaviour trait dependency of tDCS in a specific cohort of female participants with mild-to-moderate binge eating scores, and results align with those from individuals with healthy trait scores. This suggests participants with sub-clinical binge eating behaviour do not respond to tDCS. Future work should further explore effects in clinical and sub-clinical populations displaying susceptibility to overconsumption and weight gain.

Nuts, Energy Balance and Body Weight.

Over several decades, the health benefits of consuming nuts have been investigated, resulting in a large body of evidence that nuts can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The consumption of nuts, being a higher-fat plant food, is restricted by some in order to minimize weight gain. In this review, we discuss several factors related to energy intake from nuts, including food matrix and its impact on digestibility, and the role of nuts in regulating appetite. We review the data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies conducted to examine the relationship between nut intake and body weight or body mass index. Consistently, the evidence from RCTs and observational cohorts indicates that higher nut consumption does not cause greater weight gain; rather, nuts may be beneficial for weight control and prevention of long-term weight gain. Multiple mechanisms likely contribute to these findings, including aspects of nut composition which affect nutrient and energy availability as well as satiety signaling.

Diabetic Macular Oedema Guidelines: An Australian Perspective.

The number of people living with diabetes is expected to rise to 578 million by 2030 and to 700 million by 2045, exacting a severe socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems around the globe. This is also reflected in the increasing numbers of people with ocular complications of diabetes (namely, diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and diabetic retinopathy (DR)). In one study examining the global prevalence of DR, 35% of people with diabetes had some form of DR, 7% had PDR, 7% had DMO, and 10% were affected by these vision-threatening stages. In many regions of the world (Australia included), DR is one of the top three leading causes of vision loss amongst working age adults (20-74 years). In the management of DMO, the landmark ETDRS study demonstrated that moderate visual loss, defined as doubling of the visual angle, can be reduced by 50% or more by focal/grid laser photocoagulation. However, over the last 20 years, antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and corticosteroid therapies have emerged as alternative options for the management of DMO and provided patients with choices that have higher chances of improving vision than laser alone. In Australia, since the 2008 NHMRC guidelines, there have been significant developments in both the treatment options and treatment schedules for DMO. This working group was therefore assembled to review and address the current management options available in Australia.

Exploring the pathways from the power of food to food cravings in a sample of Brazilian young adults.

The present study has three main objectives: a) to analyse, for the first time, the factor structure of the Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ) in a Brazilian sample; b) to explore, through in-depth interviews, motivators and consequences of food cravings among participants with high scores on the CoEQ; and c) to analyse whether and how the power of food is related to food cravings. The study involved 335 young adults aged 18-30 years, balanced for sex. The CoEQ and the Power of Food Scale (PFS) were used in an online survey. The CoEQ and PFS were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with a subsample (n = 20) with high CoEQ scores. The Socratic questioning method was used for the interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analysed according to thematic content analysis. The PFS and the CoEQ showed adequate factor structure with reliable factors. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that both food availability and seeking relief from stressors serve as motives for food cravings. Concern for health and weight gain were cited as consequences of cravings, as was seeking distraction to cope with these cravings. It was found that the PFS aggregate factor was a significant influencing factor for craving control (ß = 0.604; p < 0.001), craving for savoury (ß = 0.382; p < 0.001), craving for sweet (ß = 0.414; p < 0.001) and positive mood (ß = -0.198; p < 0.001). The findings suggest that the relationship between food cravings and the power of food is significant in today's obesogenic environment.

Seeking gender-affirming medical care: A phenomenological inquiry on skillful coping with transgender and non-binary adults in the United States Midwest.

This study sought to understand how transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals skillfully cope with healthcare services and to explore how childhood experiences impact expectations, habits, and meaning-making when utilizing healthcare services. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, we sampled 17, White TGNB adults in the United States, ages 19 to 57, using semi-structed interviews about childhood experiences with healthcare utilization and adult experiences seeking genderaffirming healthcare. Analysis identified one main theme-Anticipate the worst in healthcare and be pleasantly surprised-and three subthemes: i) contrast between positive childhood and negative adulthood experiences in medical care; ii) coping practices for the worst; and iii) finding your unicorn doctor and medical staff for pleasant experiences. Results indicate participants experienced a disruption and acquisition of new coping practices in healthcare settings and the cultivation of a radical imagination for a more liberated medical world for TGNB people. Implications for providers and medical offices for empowering TGNB adults are described.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation: A new approach for stimulating tear secretion in dry eye disease.

Tear secretion is regulated by the lacrimal functional unit consisting of afferent and efferent nerve innervation. The afferent arm consists of trigeminal nociceptors on the ocular surface and nasal mucosa. When stimulated by agonists, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on nerve endings in the nose initiate a reflex arc resulting in instantaneous tear secretion. Pharmacologic nasal neural stimulation to increase endogenous tear production is a novel approach to treating dry eye disease.

Daily Associations Between Alcohol Consumption and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Alcohol consumption is one of the strongest predictors of suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), however, there is little research that has investigated both within- and between-person associations of alcohol consumption and ART adherence at the event-level. In this secondary data-analysis, (N = 22) HIV-positive MSM prospectively reported daily alcohol consumption and ART adherence for 42-days. Multilevel models demonstrated (1) days in which participants reported consuming any alcohol was associated with 2.48 increased odds of ART non-adherence, compared to days in which participants reported no alcohol consumption, and (2) there was a non-significant trend indicating days in which participants reported consuming greater than their own average levels of alcohol was associated with increased odds of ART non-adherence. Findings highlight the importance of combining intervention efforts that address alcohol consumption and suboptimal ART adherence, and indicate a need for future research to investigate the mechanisms by which alcohol influences ART adherence.

Effective Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Parameters for the Modulation of Eating Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to consider the effect of differing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) parameters on eating-related measures and how issues with experimental design (e.g., inadequate blinding) or parameters variation may drive equivocal effects. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Science Direct. Studies using conventional sham-controlled tDCS to modify eating-related measures in adult human participants were included. A total of 1135 articles were identified and screened by two independent authors. Study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed, with subgroup analyses to determine differences between parameter sets. RESULTS: We identified 28 eligible studies; 7 showed low risk of bias, with the remaining studies showing bias arising from issues implementing or reporting blinding protocols. Large variation in applied parameters was found, including montage, current intensity and density, participant and researcher blinding, and the use of online or offline tasks. The application of differing parameters seemed to alter the effects of tDCS on eating-related measures, particularly for current density ( g = -0.25 to 0.31), and when comparing single-session ( g = -0.08 to 0.01) versus multisession protocols ( g = -0.34 to -0.29). Some parameters result in null effects. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of tDCS-mediated change in eating-related measures may be driven by variation in applied parameters. Consistent application of parameters that seem to be effective for modulating eating behavior is important for identifying the potential impact of tDCS. Using the findings of this review, we propose a series of parameters that researchers should apply in their work.

Modulating eating behavior with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): A systematic literature review on the impact of eating behavior traits.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is becoming an increasingly popular technique for altering eating behaviors. Recent research suggests a possible eating behavior trait-dependent effect of tDCS. However, studies recruit participant populations with heterogeneous trait characteristics, including "healthy" individuals who do not present with eating behavior traits suggesting susceptibility to overconsumption. The present review considers the effects of tDCS across eating-related measures and explores whether a trait-dependent effect is evident across the literature. A literature search identified 28 articles using sham-controlled tDCS to modify eating-related measures. Random effects meta-analyses were performed, with subgroup analyses to identify differences between "healthy" and trait groups. Trivial overall effects (g = -0.12 to 0.09) of active versus sham tDCS were found. Subgroup analyses showed a more consistent effect for trait groups, with small and moderate effect size (g = -1.03 to 0.60), suggesting tDCS is dependent on participants' eating behavior traits. Larger effect sizes were found for those displaying traits associated with study outcomes (e.g., heightened food cravings). "Healthy" individuals appear to be unresponsive to stimulation. Based on this meta data, future work should recruit those with eating behavior trait susceptibilities to overconsumption, focusing on those who present with traits associated with the outcome of interest.

Interpersonal Victimization, Substance Use, and Mental Health Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: The Role of Self-concept Factors.

Reducing substance use and negative mental health outcomes of interpersonal victimization among sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) represents a critical public health priority. Victimized individuals often develop cognitive schemas, or organized knowledge structures consisting of traits, values, and memories about the self, such as self-concept factors, in response to interpersonal victimization. Prior studies demonstrate the role of self-concept factors (e.g., mastery, control, and self-esteem) in explaining the relationship between victimization and substance use and mental health. However, mastery, control, and self-esteem have not been explored as mediators of interpersonal victimization and health among SGMY. This study is among the first to apply cognitive schema models of trauma-related health symptoms using a large sample of SGMY to examine (a) whether interpersonal victimization is associated with substance use (i.e., alcohol use, cannabis use, and cigarette use) and mental health problems (i.e., depressive symptoms, self-perceived stress, self-rated health issues) and (b) whether diminished sense of mastery and control and lower self-esteem can partially explain elevated rates of substance use and mental health problems in this population. We used the U.S.-based 2017 LGBTQ National Teen Survey (n = 17,112; Mage = 15.57, SD = 1.27); 6,401 (37.4%) identified as gay or lesbian, 7,396 (43.2%) as cisgender women, and 10,245 (59.9%) as White. Substance use and mental health variables were positively associated with interpersonal victimization variables and negatively associated with self-concept factors. Self-concept factors partially mediated the relationship between interpersonal victimization and mental health. This model explained 74.2% of the variance in mental health and 28.4% of the variance in substance use. Cognitive coping may represent an important modifiable factor that can be targeted by trauma-focused interventions in efforts to improve victimized SGMY's mental health. Findings call for the development of identity-affirmative, evidence-based, and trauma-focused interventions for SGMY to improve this populations' overall health.

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on food craving, reward and appetite in a healthy population.

The ability to control hedonic appetite is associated with executive functioning, originating in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These rewarding components of food can override homeostatic mechanisms, potentiating obesogenic behaviours. Indeed, those susceptible to overconsumption appear to have PFC hypo-activation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) has been shown to reduce food craving and consumption, potentially via attenuating this reward response. We examined the effects of stimulation on food reward and craving using a healthy-weight cohort. This study is amongst the first to explore the effects of tDCS on explicit and implicit components of reward for different food categories. Twenty-one healthy-weight participants (24 ± 7 years, 22.8 ± 2.3 kg m-2) completed two sessions involving double-blind, randomised and counterbalanced anodal or sham tDCS over the right DLPFC, at 2 mA for 20 min. Food craving (Food Craving Questionnaire-State), reward (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire), and subjective appetite (100 mm visual analogue scales) were measured pre- and post-tDCS. Eating behaviour trait susceptibility was assessed using the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Short Form, Control of Eating Questionnaire, and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait-reduced. Stimulation did not alter food craving, reward or appetite in healthy-weight participants who displayed low susceptibility to overconsumption, with low trait craving, good craving control, and low uncontrolled eating and emotional eating behaviour. Implicit and explicit reward were reliable measures of hedonic appetite, suggesting these are robust targets for future tDCS research. These findings suggest that applying tDCS over the DLPFC does not change food reward response in individuals not at risk for overconsumption, and future work should focus on those at risk of overconsumption who may be more responsive to the effects of tDCS on hedonic appetite.

Susceptibility to increased high energy dense sweet and savoury food intake in response to the COVID-19 lockdown: The role of craving control and acceptance coping strategies.

Emerging evidence indicates that for some people, the COVID-19 lockdowns are a time of high risk for increased food intake. A clearer understanding of which individuals are most at risk of over-eating during the lockdown period is needed to inform interventions that promote healthy diets and prevent weight gain during lockdowns. An online survey collected during the COVID-19 lockdown (total n = 875; analysed n = 588; 33.4 ± 12.6 years; 82% UK-based; mostly white, educated, and not home schooling) investigated reported changes to the amount consumed and changes to intake of high energy dense (HED) sweet and savoury foods. The study also assessed which eating behaviour traits predicted a reported increase of HED sweet and savoury foods and tested whether coping responses moderated this relationship. Results showed that 48% of participants reported increased food intake in response to the COVID-19 lockdown. There was large individual variability in reported changes and lower craving control was the strongest predictor of increased HED sweet and savoury food intake. Low cognitive restraint also predicted greater increases in HED sweet snacks and HED savoury meal foods. Food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, emotional undereating, emotional overeating and satiety responsiveness were not significant predictors of changes to HED sweet and savoury food intake. High scores on acceptance coping responses attenuated the conditional effects of craving control on HED sweet snack intake. Consistent with previous findings, the current research suggests that low craving control is a risk factor for increased snack food intake during lockdown and may therefore represent a target for intervention.

Evaluation of the Influence of Raw Almonds on Appetite Control: Satiation, Satiety, Hedonics and Consumer Perceptions.

Snack foods can be substantial contributors to daily energy intake, with different types of snacks exerting potentially different effects on satiety per calorie consumed. The present research compared the effect of consuming almonds as a mid-morning snack compared to an energy and weight-matched comparator snack (savoury crackers) or the equivalent weight of water (zero energy control). In a crossover design, 42 female participants (age: 26.0 ± 7.9, BMI: 22.0 ± 2.0) consumed a fixed breakfast then a mid-morning snack. Appetite, 24-h energy intake, food hedonics, and consumer perceptions of the snack foods were assessed under laboratory conditions. AUC analyses revealed a lower overall hunger drive after consuming almonds compared to crackers or water. There was no difference in 24-h energy intake in the almond compared to the cracker or the zero-energy control condition, however participants consumed more energy in the cracker condition compared to the zero-energy control condition. In addition, almonds suppressed hedonic preference (implicit wanting) for consuming high-fat foods and demonstrated a higher satiety quotient (SQ) than crackers. Almonds were perceived to have a more favourable consumer profile aligned with successful weight management. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that in the context of a 24-h period of objectively measured energy intake, raw almonds are effective for controlling appetite compared to an energy matched alternative snack. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02480582].

Structured, aerobic exercise reduces fat mass and is partially compensated through energy intake but not energy expenditure in women.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced weight loss is often less than expected and highly variable in men and women. Behavioural compensation for the exercise-induced energy deficit could be through energy intake (EI), non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) or sedentary behaviour (SB). We investigated this issue in women. METHODS: Twenty-four overweight [body mass index (BMI) M = 27.9 kg/m2, SD = 2.7] women [age M = 33.1 years, SD = 11.7] completed 12-weeks of supervised exercise (5×500kcal per week) in a non-randomised, pre-post intervention study. Body mass (BM), waist circumference (WC), body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), total daily EI, individual meals, appetite sensations and appetite-related peptides were measured at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 12). Free-living physical activity (PA) and SB were measured (SenseWear) at baseline, week 1 and 10 of the exercise intervention, and at post-intervention (week 13). RESULTS: Following the 12-week exercise intervention BM [p = .04], BMI [p = .035], WC [p < .001] and fat mass (FM) [p = .003] were significantly reduced, and fat-free mass (FFM) significantly increased [p = .003]. Total [p = .028], ad libitum [p = .03] and snack box EI [p = .048] were significantly increased and this was accompanied by an increase in hunger [p = .01] and a decrease in fullness [p = .03] before meals. The peptides did not explain changes in appetite [p > .05]. There was no compensatory reduction in NEPA [p > .05] and no increase in SB, rather there was a decrease in SB during the exercise intervention [p = .03]. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-weeks of supervised aerobic exercise resulted in a significant reduction in FM and an increase in FFM. Exercise increased hunger and EI which only partially compensated for the increase in energy expenditure. There was no evidence for a compensatory reduction in NEPA or an increase in SB. Dietary intervention, as an adjunct to exercise, may offset the compensatory increase in EI and result in a greater reduction in BM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Our trial was retrospectively registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Registry (ISRCTN78021668, 27th September 2016) and can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN78021668.

A dual-process psychobiological model of temperament predicts liking and wanting for food and trait disinhibition.

A dual-process model of temperament, incorporating the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS), Behavioural Activation System (BAS) and effortful control (EC), may help to predict hedonic responses to palatable food and trait disinhibition. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if the BIS, BAS and EC predicted liking and wanting for high-fat, sweet foods in adults with overweight and obesity, and if collectively, these variables predicted the eating behaviour trait of Disinhibition. METHODS: 168 adults (104 females, mean BMI = 33.3 kg/m2) completed the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Carver and White BIS/BAS scales, the Adult Temperament Questionnaire-Effortful Control Scale - Short Form and the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire. The strength of the BIS, BAS and EC in predicting wanting and liking for high-fat sweet foods, and trait Disinhibition was assessed using hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: Both the BIS and EC predicted liking, F (6, 161) = 5.05, p < .001, R2 = 0.16, and EC inversely predicted wanting, F (6, 161) = 3.28, p = .005, R2 = 0.11. The BIS, EC and liking predicted, F (8, 159) = 11.0, p < .001, R2 = 0.36, and explained 36% of Disinhibition. The BAS did not predict wanting, liking or Disinhibition. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that a sensitive BIS and a lower level of effortful control predicts food reward and Disinhibition in overweight and obese adults. Consequently, interventions that aim to increase effortful control and reduce BIS reactivity may be beneficial for reducing hedonically motivated, disinhibited eating behaviour.

Disentangling the relationship between sedentariness and obesity: Activity intensity, but not sitting posture, is associated with adiposity in women.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between free-living sedentary behaviour (SB) and obesity is unclear. Studies may arrive at disparate conclusions because of inconsistencies and limitations when defining and measuring free-living SB. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the relationship between SB and adiposity differed depending on the way SB was operationally defined and objectively measured. METHODS: Sixty-three female participants aged 37.1 years (SD = 13.6) with a body mass index (BMI) of 29.6 kg/m2 (SD = 4.7) had their body composition measured (BodPod, Concord, CA) then were continuously monitored for 5-7 days with the SenseWear Armband (SWA; sleep and activity intensity) and the activPAL (AP; posture). Data from both activity monitors were analysed separately and integrated resulting in a third measure of SB (activity intensity and posture; SEDINT). SB outputs were compared according to week or weekend day averages then correlated against body composition parameters after adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS: SEDSWA resulted in the most sedentary time 11.74 h/day (SD = 1.60), followed by SEDAP 10.16 h/day (SD = 1.75) and SEDINT 9.10 h/day (SD = 1.67). There was a significant positive association between SEDSWA and body mass [r(61) = 0.29, p = .02], BMI [r (61) = 0.33, p = .009] and fat mass [r(61) = 0.32, p = .01]. SEDAP and SEDINT were not associated with any of the indices of adiposity. Correlations between SB and adiposity were non-significant when controlling for MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between SB and adiposity differed depending on how SB was operationally defined and measured, and was dependent on MVPA. The definition of SB based on a sitting posture (SEDAP) was not strongly related to body fat, whereas the accumulation of any behaviour (sitting or standing) with an intensity of <1.5 METs (SEDSWA) (offset by the presence of MVPA) was positively associated with indices of adiposity. These data suggest that the postural element of SB (sitting) is not sufficient for the accumulation of adiposity, rather activities requiring low EE (<1.5 METs) and the absence of MVPA, regardless of posture, are associated with higher fat mass.

An Examination of Appetite and Disordered Eating in Active Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease [CD] patients suffer from nutritional deficiencies when in active disease. We aim to examine calorific intake, macronutrient choice, and disordered eating behaviour in patients with active CD. METHODS: CD patients with matched healthy volunteers [HV] were recruited. Active disease was defined by faecal calprotectin >250 µg/g, C-reactive protein 83.8 ± 47.1 mg/dL, or active disease seen on endoscopy or imaging. Symptoms were quantified by Harvey­Bradshaw Index [HBI]. Calorific intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall. Disordered eating was assessed using validated questionnaires: Binge Eating Scale [BES]; Power of Food Scale [PFS]; Control of Eating Questionnaire [CoEQ]; Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire [DEBQ]; and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire [TFEQ]. RESULTS: Totals of 30 CD (18 male[M]:12 female [F], age 32.3 ± 2.19 years, body mass index [BMI] 24.9 ± 0.8) and 31 matched HV [19 M:12 F, age 32.8 ± 2.0 years, BMI 24.7 ± 0.5] were recruited. Mean faecal calprotectin was 1032.5 ± 176 µg/g, C-reactive protein 8.38 ± 4.71 mg/dL, and HBI 4.8 ± 1. There were no significant differences in calorific intake between groups. Protein intake was lower in the CD cohort [p = 0.03]. Hospital Anxiety and Depression score was higher [p = 0.01] and CoEQ-Positive Mood [p = 0.001] lower in CD. CD patients were characterised by higher BES [p = 0.01] and lower CoEQ Craving Control [p = 0.027], with greater craving for Sweet [p = 0.043] and Savoury [p = 0.021] foods. PFS food Present [p = 0.005], DEBQ Emotional [p =< 0.001], and External Eating [p = 0.022] were significantly higher than among HV. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced protein consumption and more prevalent disordered eating behaviour traits were present in CD. Greater binge eating and decreased control of cravings may be attributed to lower mood and higher anxiety observed. Patients may benefit from stronger psychological support with firm dietetic advice for healthy eating.

A novel integrative procedure for identifying and integrating three-dimensions of objectively measured free-living sedentary behaviour.

BACKGROUND: The widely accepted definition of sedentary behaviour [SB] refers to any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents [METs] while in a sitting or reclining posture. At present, there is no single field-based device which objectively measures sleep, posture and activity intensity simultaneously. The aim of this study was to develop a novel integrative procedure [INT] to combine information from two validated activity monitors on sleep, activity intensity and posture, the three key dimensions of SB. METHODS: Participants in this analysis were initially recruited from a series of three studies conducted between December 2014 and June 2016 at the University of Leeds. Sixty-three female participants aged 37.1 (13.6) years with a body mass index of 29.6 (4.7) kg/m2 were continuously monitored for 5-7 days with the SenseWear Armband [SWA] (sleep and activity intensity) and the activPAL [AP] (posture). Data from both activity monitors were analysed separately and integrated resulting in three measures of sedentary time. Differences in Sedentary time between the three measurement methods were assessed as well as how well the three measures correlated. RESULTS: The three measures of sedentary time were positively correlated, with the weakest relationship between SEDSWA (awake and <1.5 METs) and SEDAP (awake and sitting/lying posture) [r(61) = .37,p = .003], followed by SEDSWA and SEDINT (awake, <1.5 METs and sitting/lying posture) [r(61) = .58,p < .001], and the strongest relationship was between SEDAP and SEDINT [r(61) = .91,p < .001]. There was a significant difference between the three measures of sedentary time [F(1.18,73.15) = 104.70,p < .001]. Post-hoc tests revealed all three methods differed significantly from each other [p < .001]. SEDSWA resulted in the most sedentary time 11.74 (1.60) hours/day, followed by SEDAP 10.16 (1.75) hours/day, and SEDINT 9.10 (1.67) hours/day. Weekday and weekend day sedentary time did not differ for any of the measurement methods [p = .04-.25]. CONCLUSION: Information from two validated activity monitors was combined to obtain an objective measure of free-living SB based on posture and activity intensity during waking hours. The amount of sedentary time accumulated varied according to the definition of SB and its measurement. The novel data integration and processing procedures presented in this paper represents an opportunity to investigate whether different components of SB are differentially related to health end points.

Validation of the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire in Arabs.

The Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) is a computerised procedure that assesses liking, wanting and relative preferences for shared characteristics of food. This study adapted the LFPQ (LFPQ-A) to assess its cross-cultural validity in an Arab sample by examining its performance for food characteristics of fat (high or low) and taste (sweet or nonsweet), under fasted and fed states. Individual differences in eating behaviour were examined by testing for associations between the LFPQ-A outcomes and subscales of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Thirty healthy males (age: 36.3±10.0 years; body mass index: 29.7±5.3 kg/m2) participated in the study. All participants attended the laboratory in the morning following an overnight fast, and performed the LFPQ-A under fasted and fed conditions (after a standardised test meal). Results showed that implicit wanting and relative preference for non-sweet foods decreased in the fed compared to the fasted state, whereas scores for sweet foods increased. Explicit liking and explicit wanting were also higher for non-sweet foods in the fasted condition, and decreased to a greater extent in the fed condition compared to a lesser decrease for sweet foods. Scores on all LFPQ-A outcomes for high-fat non-sweet foods were positively associated with TFEQ Disinhibition. Outcome scores for low-fat non-sweet foods were positively associated with TFEQ Restraint. The LFPQ-A showed outcomes that were consistent with studies performed in Western samples, therefore the current study helps to confirm the validity of the LFPQ-A as a measurement of liking and wanting and preference for food among Arabs.