Reduced connectivity of the cognitive control neural network at rest in young adults who had their first drink of alcohol prior to age 18.

The cognitive control network (CCN) is an important network responsible for performing and modulating executive functions. In adolescents, alcohol use has been associated with weaker cognitive control, higher reward sensitivity, and later-in-life alcohol problems. Given that the CCN continues to develop into young adulthood, it is important to understand relations between early alcohol use, the CCN, and reward networks. Participants included individuals 18-23 years without alcohol use disorder. Based upon self-reported age of first alcoholic drink, participants were split into two groups: Early (onset) Drinkers (first drink < age 18, N = 52) and Late (onset) Drinkers (first drink > age 18, N = 44). All participants underwent an 8-minute resting-state fMRI scan. Seed regions of interest included the anterior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), amygdala, and ventral striatum. Early Drinkers demonstrated significant reduced connectivity of CCN regions, including bilateral anterior DLPFC, compared to Late Drinkers. There were no significant differences between Early and Late Drinkers in connectivity between reward and CCN regions. These results suggest that individuals who begin drinking alcohol earlier in life may have alterations in the development of the CCN; however, longitudinal research is necessary to determine whether lower connectivity precedes or follows early alcohol use, and any other relevant factors.

Body shape perception in men and women without obesity during caloric restriction: a secondary analysis from the CALERIE study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine body shape perception in 218 adults without obesity or history of eating disorders during caloric restriction (CR). METHODS: Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) is a 2-year, randomized clinical trial using a 2:1 assignment (CR, 25% reduction in calories; Control, typical diet). For this secondary analysis, we examined perceived body shape using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Analyses of BSQ scores are reported by group, over time, by sex, and by BMI. Data for body fat percentage, symptoms of depression, food cravings, maximal oxygen consumption, and stress were analyzed for their association with BSQ scores. RESULTS: Compared to control, CR reduced BSQ scores. Women tended to have greater concern with body shape than men across all measurement times. There was no difference in change in BSQ scores at 12 or 24 months between those with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 or ≥ 25 kg/m2. Change in body fat percentage was most correlated with change in BSQ score from 0 to 12 (r = 0.39) and 0-24 months (r = 0.38). For change in BSQ score, Akaike/ Bayesian information criterion (AIC/BIC) found that the model of best fit included the following three change predictors: change in body fat percentage, depression symptoms, and food cravings. For 0-12 months, AIC/BIC = 1482.0/1505.6 and for 0-24 months AIC/BIC = 1364.8/1386.5. CONCLUSIONS: CR is associated with reduced concern for body shape in men and women without obesity and with no history of eating disorders. Body shape perception among this sample was complex and influenced by multiple factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.