Reporting guidelines for precision medicine research of clinical relevance: the BePRECISE checklist.

Precision medicine should aspire to reduce error and improve accuracy in medical and health recommendations by comparison with contemporary practice, while maintaining safety and cost-effectiveness. The etiology, clinical manifestation and prognosis of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and fatty liver disease are heterogeneous. Without standardized reporting, this heterogeneity, combined with the diversity of research tools used in precision medicine studies, makes comparisons across studies and implementation of the findings challenging. Specific recommendations for reporting precision medicine research do not currently exist. The BePRECISE (Better Precision-data Reporting of Evidence from Clinical Intervention Studies & Epidemiology) consortium, comprising 23 experts in precision medicine, cardiometabolic diseases, statistics, editorial and lived experience, conducted a scoping review and participated in a modified Delphi and nominal group technique process to develop guidelines for reporting precision medicine research. The BePRECISE checklist comprises 23 items organized into 5 sections that align with typical sections of a scientific publication. A specific section about health equity serves to encourage precision medicine research to be inclusive of individuals and communities that are traditionally under-represented in clinical research and/or underserved by health systems. Adoption of BePRECISE by investigators, reviewers and editors will facilitate and accelerate equitable clinical implementation of precision medicine.

Health System and Individual Barriers to Supporting Healthy Gestational Weight Gain and Nutrition: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Midwives and Obstetricians in Publicly Funded Antenatal Care in Tasmania, Australia.

Individual and health system barriers can impede clinicians from supporting weight-related behaviour change for pregnant women, particularly in publicly funded antenatal care accessed by women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The aim was to understand clinicians' experiences of supporting healthy gestational weight gain for pregnant women in a publicly funded antenatal setting. The work was undertaken to guide the implementation of systems changes, resource development, and workforce capacity building related to nutrition, physical activity, and gestational weight gain in the service. The qualitative descriptive study used purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2019 and February 2020. Nine midwives and five obstetricians from a publicly funded hospital antenatal service in Tasmania, Australia participated. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The three dominant themes were prioritising immediate needs, continuity of care support weight-related conversations, and limited service capacity for weight- and nutrition-related support. The subthemes were different practices for women according to weight and the need for appropriately tailored resources. Improving access to continuity of care and clinician training, and providing resources that appropriately consider women's socioeconomic circumstances and health literacy would enhance the ability and opportunities for clinicians to better support all women.

Optimising Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Pregnancy: A Review of Risk Prediction Models Targeting Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders.

Cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women globally. The development of cardiometabolic conditions in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, portend an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease in women. Pregnancy therefore represents a unique opportunity to detect and manage risk factors, prior to the development of cardiovascular sequelae. Risk prediction models for gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can help identify at-risk women in early pregnancy, allowing timely intervention to mitigate both short- and long-term adverse outcomes. In this narrative review, we outline the shared pathophysiological pathways for gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, summarise contemporary risk prediction models and candidate predictors for these conditions, and discuss the utility of these models in clinical application.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome: Endocrinologists' and obstetricians and gynaecologists' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To study the barriers and facilitators to lifestyle management in PCOS from the perspectives of endocrinologists and obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) to inform the translation and implementation of the international evidence-based guideline on lifestyle management in PCOS. METHODS: 11 endocrinologists and ten Ob/Gyns participated in semi-structured interviews and transcripts were thematically analyzed on NVIVO software. RESULTS: Both endocrinologists and Ob/Gyns supported lifestyle as key to PCOS management but faced systemic barriers of lack of access to allied health services and had limited capacity for in-depth lifestyle discussions. They suggested team-based approach to address these barriers. Endocrinologists reported lifestyle could be a less effective treatment option and most of their patients had challenges with past failed lifestyle attempts while Ob/Gyns perceived the desire to conceive among patients a facilitator. The importance of credible, individualised and PCOS-specific lifestyle advice was highlighted. CONCLUSION: Endocrinologists and Ob/Gyns perceived lifestyle management as integral to PCOS management but experience barriers to lifestyle management related to specialist care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Resources that provide credible, individualized and PCOS-specific lifestyle advice, team care approach and professional development on motivating patients for lifestyle modification may address these barriers.

Relationships between self-management strategies and physical activity and diet quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships of self-management strategies and physical activity (PA) and diet quality in women with PCOS. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study involving women (n = 501), 18-45 years in the general Australian community with a self-reported PCOS diagnosis. The self-management and lifestyle behaviour questionnaires were completed between August 2017 and March 2018. RESULTS: Implementation of PA related self-management strategies increased the odds of meeting PA recommendations [Odds ratio (OR): 2.929 (95%CI: 2.172, 3.951), p < 0.001] but had no association with body mass index (BMI) [OR: 0.-0.984 (95%CI: -1.010, 0.959), p = 0.217] nor perception of self weight [OR: 1.382 (95% CI: 0.700, 2.725), p = 0.352]. Nutrition related self-management strategies were inversely associated with BMI [OR: - 0.115 (95%CI: -7.159, -0.980), p = 0.010] but had no association with diet quality [OR: 0.183 (95%CI: -2.328, 2.800), p = 0.855], energy intake [OR: - 0.092 (95%CI: -1204.443, 527.496) p = 0.438] or weight [OR: - 0.034 (95%CI: -4.020, 1.930), p = 0.491]. CONCLUSIONS: PA self-management strategies were associated with meeting PA recommendations. Nutrition strategies were associated with lower BMI but not diet quality, energy intake or weight in women with PCOS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Other behaviour change determinants (e.g. education, skills and self-efficacy) should be considered when designing a PCOS lifestyle programme in conjunction with self-management strategies.

Perspectives of Allied Health Professionals on Implementation of the Lifestyle Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Guidelines: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting up to 13% of reproductive-aged women. Weight and lifestyle management are key initial treatment strategies for individuals with PCOS, as recommended in international evidence-based guidelines. Allied health professionals, including dietitians, exercise physiologists, and psychologists, are crucial in delivering support for lifestyle and weight management. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore the barriers and enablers to lifestyle and weight management for individuals with PCOS from the perspectives of allied health professionals. DESIGN: This was a qualitative study using a phenomenology approach to understand the allied health professionals lived experiences managing the lifestyles of individuals with PCOS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with allied health professionals (ie, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and psychologist). Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were coded inductively and analyzed thematically. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Participants were 15 allied health professionals (ie, 9 dietitians, 5 exercise physiologists, and 1 psychologist) involved in the management of PCOS in Australia (n = 10 in Victoria, n = 5 in other states) and interviewed between June and September 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Barriers and enablers of allied health professionals relating to the provision of lifestyle and weight management in individuals with PCOS were analyzed. RESULTS: Barriers relating to individuals with PCOS included insufficient knowledge on lifestyle management; lack of time; socioeconomic disadvantage preventing access to lifestyle support; and psychological issues, such as eating disorders or depression. Barriers relating to health professionals included insufficient knowledge about PCOS and insufficient time during consultation. Barriers relating to the health system included lifestyle recommendations in the PCOS guidelines that are too general and weight-focused, funding system that does not facilitate long-term care, and low integration of care among health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers for the individual, health professional, and health system all need to be addressed to improve the implementation of lifestyle management in PCOS care to optimize consistency with the PCOS international evidence-based guidelines.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Models of Care: A Review and Qualitative Evaluation of a Guideline-Recommended Integrated Care.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder and many women are dissatisfied with their healthcare under the current fragmented health services. Here, we review existing literature on PCOS healthcare services and qualitatively evaluate an integrated PCOS service based on experiences of women with PCOS. Limited prior PCOS-dedicated services have been studied and their quantitative and efficacy-focused evaluations are summarized. Here, we also provide a broader PCOS service evaluation via semistructured interviews and surveys, with thematic analysis based on a predetermined evaluation framework. Fifteen women completed interviews and surveys. Overall the integrated, evidence-based PCOS service was well-received and women were generally satisfied with appropriateness, effectiveness, and reported positive health impact resulting from the service. Integrated care, tailored treatments, education, lifestyle support, and laser therapy were highly valued. Patients reported improvements on symptoms, understanding and confidence in managing PCOS, and emotional well-being. Elements of efficiency in the initial stages, awareness and communication, and the need for service expansion and tensions between evidence-based treatments and patient preferences were also captured to guide improvement. Further research into models of care is recommended to meet the needs of women with PCOS.

Implementation of the polycystic ovary syndrome guidelines: A mixed method study to inform the design and delivery of a lifestyle management program for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: The 2018 evidence-based polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) guidelines recommend lifestyle management as first-line treatment. This study aims to understand the preferred intervention characteristics of a PCOS lifestyle program from the perspectives of women with PCOS to inform the translation of the guidelines into practice. METHODS: Women with self-reported PCOS residing in Australia took part in semi-structured interviews (n = 20) and an online survey (n = 286). The survey and interview schedule were developed using the template for intervention description and replication checklist. RESULTS: Women want to take part in a lifestyle program (94.6%) and use government-subsidised sessions to attend (83%). Sessions of 45 to 60 minutes (75%) costing less than AUD$50 are preferred (60%). Topics of most interest related to sustainable daily physical activity (58%), overcoming non-hungry eating (54%), PCOS-specific diets (51%) and how to overcome barriers to behaviour change (45%). A delivery mode that combines online and in-person support is preferred (53%). Women are in need of long-term professional lifestyle support (6-12 months) that provides evidence-based, PCOS-specific, personalised prescription. Multidisciplinary support from a range of PCOS-trained professions is also preferred to address women's physical, psychological and emotional needs. CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS are willing to take part in lifestyle programs that are low cost, long term, evidence based, PCOS-specific and provide practical strategies for nutrition and physical activity changes. Future online and in-person PCOS programs are strongly recommended to incorporate these findings to improve program engagement and patient satisfaction.

Implementation of evidence-based PCOS lifestyle management guidelines: Perceived barriers and facilitators by consumers using the Theoretical Domains Framework and COM-B Model.

BACKGROUND: The 2018 Evidence-Based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Clinical Guidelines recommend lifestyle management as first-line treatment for PCOS, yet implementation of PCOS lifestyle programs into practice is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To complete systematic intervention mapping by identifying the facilitators and barriers to lifestyle management in women with PCOS using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the Capacity, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model (COM-B). PATIENT INVOLVEMENT: Women (N = 20) in Australian with PCOS were interviewed. METHODS: Telephone semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Nine themes mapped onto seven TDF domains and the COM-B. Capability: psychological co-morbidities, knowledge and awareness of lifestyle change and ability to identify and resolve barriers. Opportunity: presence of other medical conditions, access to practical resources and availability of social support. MOTIVATION: outcomes expectancies of lifestyle behaviour, personal values, enjoyment and readiness to change and the impact of stress on lifestyle choices. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore barriers and facilitators to lifestyle change from the perspectives of women with PCOS using the TDF and COM-B. Addressing these themes will facilitate patient-centred care and long-term behaviour change. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: May increase the efficacy and effectiveness of PCOS lifestyle programs and reduce the risk of PCOS-associated disease in this population.

Obesity and the Risk of Infertility, Gestational Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This review describes the relationship between obesity and the most common reproductive (infertility) and metabolic (gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) consequences in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also describes the vital role of lifestyle management for PCOS. PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder common in reproductive-age women. Consensus on the exact etiological mechanisms of PCOS is unreached. Overweight or obesity is present in at least 60% of the PCOS population, but the condition occurs irrespective of BMI, with excess BMI increasing both the prevalence and severity of clinical features. Use of lifestyle therapies (nutrition, physical activity, and/or behavioral) for the prevention and management of excess weight gain, infertility, GDM, and T2DM is a vital component of best-practice PCOS care. Lifestyle management is recommended for all women with PCOS as the first-line treatment with or without medications. Due to a lack of high-quality trials demonstrating the efficacy of specific lifestyle approaches, PCOS lifestyle recommendations are as those for the general population. This review summarizes current knowledge relating to obesity and its impact on fertility, GDM, and T2DM. It also summarizes the lifestyle recommendations to best manage these conditions in women with PCOS and obesity.

Disordered Eating Behaviours and Eating Disorders in Women in Australia with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Psychological co-morbidities common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may contribute to disordered eating and subsequent weight gain. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of disordered eating and a range of eating disorders and demographic risk factors associated with these behaviours within an Australian group of women with and without PCOS. Data from 899 women with (n = 501) and without (n = 398) PCOS were analysed as possibly indicative of disordered eating or eating disorders using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. Disordered eating (p = 0.012) but not eating disorders (p = 0.076) were more prevalent in women with PCOS compared to controls. Increased body mass index (BMI) [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.03; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01, 1.05, p = 0.012] and older age [OR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.08, p = 0.002] but not PCOS diagnosis [OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 0.96, 2.13 p = 0.078] increased the odds of disordered eating. Increased BMI [OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.06, p < 0.001] and younger age [OR: -0.95; 95%CI: 0.93-0.95, p < 0.001] but not PCOS diagnosis [OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 0.97, 1.95, p = 0.076] increased the odds of an eating disorder. Clinicians are recommended to screen all women with PCOS for possible disordered eating behaviours, with particular attention to women with elevated BMI.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Evidence-Based Lifestyle Management in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that involves metabolic, psychological and reproductive complications. Insulin resistance underlies much of the pathophysiology and symptomatology of the condition and contributes to long term complications including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of obesity which further compounds metabolic, reproductive and psychological risks. Lifestyle interventions including diet, exercise and behavioural management have been shown to improve PCOS presentations across the reproductive, metabolic and psychological spectrum and are recommended as first line treatment for any presentation of PCOS in women with excess weight by the International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2018. However, there is a paucity of research on the implementation lifestyle management in women with PCOS by healthcare providers. Limited existing evidence indicates lifestyle management is not consistently provided and not meeting the needs of the patients. In this review, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of evidence-based lifestyle management in reference to PCOS are discussed in the context of a federally-funded health system. This review highlights the need for targeted research on the knowledge and practice of PCOS healthcare providers to best inform implementation strategies for the translation of the PCOS guidelines on lifestyle management in PCOS.

Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Obesity worsens the presentation of PCOS and weight management (weight loss, maintenance or prevention of excess weight gain) is proposed as an initial treatment strategy, best achieved through lifestyle changes incorporating diet, exercise and behavioural interventions. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of lifestyle treatment in improving reproductive, anthropometric (weight and body composition), metabolic and quality of life factors in PCOS. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED (date of last search March 2018). We also searched controlled trials registries, conference abstracts, relevant journals, reference lists of relevant papers and reviews, and grey literature databases, with no language restrictions applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lifestyle treatment (diet, exercise, behavioural or combined treatments) to minimal or no treatment in women with PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected trials, assessed evidence quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. Our primary outcomes were live birth, miscarriage and pregnancy. We used inverse variance and fixed-effect models in the meta-analyses. We reported dichotomous outcomes as an odds ratio and continuous outcomes as a mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD). MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 studies with 498 participants. Ten studies compared physical activity to minimal dietary and behavioural intervention or no intervention. Five studies compared combined dietary, exercise and behavioural intervention to minimal intervention. One study compared behavioural intervention to minimal intervention. Risk of bias varied: eight studies had adequate sequence generation, seven had adequate clinician or outcome assessor blinding, seven had adequate allocation concealment, six had complete outcome data and six were free of selective reporting. No studies assessed the fertility primary outcomes of live birth or miscarriage. No studies reported the secondary reproductive outcome of menstrual regularity, as defined in this review.Lifestyle intervention may improve a secondary (endocrine) reproductive outcome, the free androgen index (FAI) (MD -1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.96 to -0.26, 6 RCTs, N = 204, I2 = 71%, low-quality evidence). Lifestyle intervention may reduce weight (kg) (MD -1.68 kg, 95% CI -2.66 to -0.70, 9 RCTs, N = 353, I2 = 47%, low-quality evidence). Lifestyle intervention may reduce body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (-0.34 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.01, 12 RCTs, N = 434, I2= 0%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance (glucose outcomes in oral glucose tolerance test) (mmol/L/minute) (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.33, 3 RCTs, N = 121, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle intervention may improve the free androgen index (FAI), weight and BMI in women with PCOS. We are uncertain of the effect of lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance. There were no studies that looked at the effect of lifestyle intervention on live birth, miscarriage or menstrual regularity. Most studies in this review were of low quality mainly due to high or unclear risk of bias across most domains and high heterogeneity for the FAI outcome.

Who's responsible for the care of women during and after a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes?

Despite its increasing incidence and high conferred risk to women and their children, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is managed inconsistently during and after pregnancy due to an absence of a systemic approach to managing these women. New guidelines for GDM testing and diagnosis are based on stronger evidence, but raise concerns about increased workloads and confusion in a landscape of multiple, conflicting guidelines. Postnatal care and long-term preventive measures are particularly fragmented, with no professional group taking responsibility for this crucial role. Clearer guidelines and assistance from existing frameworks, such as the National Gestational Diabetes Register, could enable general practitioners to take ownership of the management of women at risk of type 2 diabetes following GDM, applying the principles of chronic disease management long term.

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors of malnutrition among children in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: For many developing countries undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization, trends in nutritional status indicate a decrease in malnutrition with an associated rise in the prevalence of obesity. An understanding of the situation among children in Malaysia is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, trends and sociodemographic factors described for underweight and overweight children in Malaysia. METHODS: The literature from January 1996 to November 2010 on the prevalence of underweight and overweight among children in Malaysia was reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve studies were identified that reported on both underweight and overweight among children in Malaysia, of which only one was a nationally representative survey. Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2006, 13.2% (95% CI, 12.6 to 13.9) of children aged 0 to 18 years were underweight (weight-for-age < -2SD), and 8.0% (95% CI, 7.5 to 8.6) of those aged 0 to 13 years were overweight (weight-for-height > +2SD). Both underweight and overweight were more prevalent in males than females. Children in rural areas were more likely to be underweight and less likely to be overweight than urban children. Ethnic differences between Malays, Chinese, and Indians were inconsistent across studies and less clear. Aborigines were more likely to be underweight and less likely to be overweight than the general population. The available evidence, although limited and sparse, suggests that over the past decade the prevalence of both underweight and overweight among children in Malaysia has been stable or has shown an increasing trend. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term national monitoring and longitudinal cohort studies will be critical for understanding, preventing, and managing the double burden of malnutrition among children in Malaysia.

Thyroid incidentalomas on fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography: incidence, malignancy risk, and comparison of standardized uptake values.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the incidence of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid thyroid incidentalomas detected on positron emission tomography (PET) with integrated computed tomography (CT), and correlate the FDG-PET-CT findings to cytology. METHODS: A total of 942 FDG-PET-CT reports were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas were further reviewed for correlative cytology. RESULTS: The incidence of FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas is 2.2%. Thyroid malignancies were identified in 3 of 6 patients who underwent cytologic correlation, with a positive predictive value of 50% (95% confidence interval, 14%-86%). The mean maximum standardized uptake values of benign and malignant FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas were 5.6 and 6.6, respectively. CONCLUSION: A FDG-avid thyroid incidentaloma may predict underlying malignancy. Cytologic assessment should be considered for FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas.

Lifestyle management improves quality of life and depression in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of adding exercise to dietary restriction on depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Analysis of depression and quality of life outcomes from a randomized, controlled prospective clinical intervention that evaluated the effects on a range of health outcomes in women with PCOS. SETTING: Clinical research unit. PATIENT(S): One hundred four overweight/obese PCOS women (aged 29.3 ± 0.7 years; body mass index [BMI] 36.1 ± 0.5 kg/m(2)). INTERVENTION(S): Randomized to one of three 20-week lifestyle programs: diet only, diet and aerobic exercise, or diet and combined aerobic-resistance exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Depression and PCOS-specific HRQOL. RESULT(S): Forty-nine women completed the intervention (diet only = 14, diet and aerobic exercise = 15, diet and combined aerobic-resistance exercise = 20). By week 20 all groups achieved weight loss and had improvements in depression and PCOS-specific HRQOL scores, except for body hair domain score. There was no difference between treatments for all outcomes. CONCLUSION(S): This study demonstrated that dietary restriction alone and combined with exercise had similar benefits for improving depression and HRQOL scores in overweight and obese women with PCOS.

Psychological effects of prescriptive vs general lifestyle advice for weight loss in young women.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of prescriptive lifestyle advice with quantifiable dietary and physical goals compared to general lifestyle advice on weight and psychological outcomes in young women with overweight or obesity. A total of 203 women (body mass index 33.3+/-0.3, age 28+/-0.3 years) received either prescriptive or general lifestyle advice for weight loss over 12 weeks. Linear mixed models found that the prescriptive lifestyle advice group had significantly greater weight loss (4.2+/-0.4 kg vs 0.6+/-0.2 kg, P<0.001) compared to the general lifestyle advice group. However, the prescriptive lifestyle advice group also had greater attrition (48% vs 31%, P<0.05) compared to the general lifestyle advice group. Linear mixed models found that the prescriptive lifestyle advice group had greater improvement in psychological distress (-3.0+/-0.04 vs -1.1+/-0.01, P<0.05) and in self-esteem (3.2+/-0.8 vs -0.04+/-0.04, P<0.001) compared to the general lifestyle advice group. Changes in psychological distress and self-esteem remained significantly different between groups after correcting for weight loss. Food cravings decreased significantly over time without group differences (P<0.001 for time). Weight locus of control remained unchanged in either group (P>0.05). Drop-outs had greater baseline psychological distress (15.1+/-0.7 vs 12.5+/-0.4, P<0.01) and higher food cravings (2.42+/-0.07 vs 2.24+/-0.05, P=0.049) compared to completers. In conclusion, a prescriptive approach is associated with greater weight loss and greater improvements in psychological outcomes in young women compared to general lifestyle advice. However, these quantitative targets should be accompanied with qualitative advice on how they could be met in a variety of circumstances.

Hyperandrogenemia, psychological distress, and food cravings in young women.

Reproductive disorders and psychological distress are common co-morbidities of obesity in young women. Psychological and reproductive disturbances may also be associated with increased food cravings but the relationships between these factors have not been explored. This study aimed to explore the pattern of food cravings and to determine the relationship between psychological distress, reproductive health and food cravings in overweight and obese young women using baseline data in a weight loss trial. A total of 198 young women were included in this analysis (BMI 33.3+/-0.3 kg/m(2), age 28+/-0.3 years). The most frequently craved food item was chocolate (3.9+/-0.08 i.e., sometimes-often). The most frequently craved food categories were fast foods (2.6+/-0.07) and sweets (2.5+/-0.05). Psychological distress was significantly correlated with food cravings (R(2)=0.18, P<0.05). High fat (r=0.2), sweets (r=0.17) and overall cravings (r=0.20) were significantly correlated with energy intake (P<0.05). Psychological distress did not correlate with energy intake (P>0.05). Participants with menstrual disturbances had greater fast food cravings independent of age, BMI and PCOS status (P<0.05). Participants with hyperandrogenemia had greater high fat food cravings independent of age, BMI and PCOS status (P<0.01). Energy intake did not differ with menstrual disturbances or hyperandrogenemia (P>0.05). These results suggest that psychological distress, hyperandrogenemia and menstrual disturbances are associated with greater food cravings. Further investigations are required to elucidate the relationship between hyperandrogenemia and food cravings in young women.