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Obesity

2012

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Articles 1 - 18 of 18

Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Obesity Indices And Cognitive Function In Veterans, Kristin Macgregor Dec 2012

Obesity Indices And Cognitive Function In Veterans, Kristin Macgregor

Psychology - Dissertations

Obesity is linked to many chronic health conditions and middle-aged obesity is associated with later-life dementia. Obesity rates in veterans are higher than in the civilian population. Research examining body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function has demonstrated that young to middle-aged obese adults consistently demonstrate deficits in memory and executive function. Waist circumference (WC) is another measure of obesity that has been investigated as it relates to cognitive function; however, a clear pattern of deficit has not yet emerged. This study's purpose was to investigate the relationship among BMI, WC, and cognitive function in male veterans aged 18-55. One …


Ecological Momentary Assessment And Time-Varying Factors Associated With Eating And Physical Activity, Amy Jeffers Nov 2012

Ecological Momentary Assessment And Time-Varying Factors Associated With Eating And Physical Activity, Amy Jeffers

Theses and Dissertations

The obesity epidemic is a significant problem in the United States. It is well established that lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy eating and physical inactivity, are key contributors. These causes are generally voluntary activities and it is important to examine health decision-making with respect to these behaviors. The current study examined time-varying factors of stress and mood and their relationship with healthy eating and physical activity in a sample of undergrads (N = 26). Ecological momentary assessment via one's cell phone was used to collect multiple measurements over six days. Positive mood was found to follow physical activity episodes for …


Relationships Between Food Reinforcement And Eating Behaviors To Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Substance Abuse Outcomes, Summar Reslan Aug 2012

Relationships Between Food Reinforcement And Eating Behaviors To Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Substance Abuse Outcomes, Summar Reslan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Bariatric surgery is rapidly gaining acceptance among the morbidly obese population, yet studies assessing variables associated with post-surgical outcomes have yielded inconsistent findings. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the association between the relative reinforcing value of food (RRV-F), delay discounting for food (DD-F), and other eating-related and non eating-related variables to post-bariatric surgery percent total weight loss (%TWL) and substance-related outcomes. Participants were a convenience sample of 147 adults with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Using online survey methodology, variables that may contribute to post-surgical %TWL and substance use outcomes were assessed: the RRV-F, DDF, …


Obesity And Outcomes Of Bariatric Surgery: A Focus On Patients With Postoperative Substance Use Disorders, Melissa Pulcini Aug 2012

Obesity And Outcomes Of Bariatric Surgery: A Focus On Patients With Postoperative Substance Use Disorders, Melissa Pulcini

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Recent evidence suggesting post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) has brought to light the importance of understanding how the postoperative development of a SUD may affect weight loss and psychosocial outcomes. The present investigation used a quasi- experimental, non- equivalent, matched pair between subjects group design to compare these outcomes in post-RYGB patients in inpatient treatment for SUDs with post-RYGB patients who reported no significant post-surgical substance-related problems. Participants were matched on sex, age, and time since surgery. Average weight losses of the two groups were not significantly different, …


Parental And Family Predictors Of Adolescent Weight Loss And Health Change In A Multidisciplinary Obesity Intervention, Jacqueline Woods May 2012

Parental And Family Predictors Of Adolescent Weight Loss And Health Change In A Multidisciplinary Obesity Intervention, Jacqueline Woods

Theses and Dissertations

The home environment, parental health attitudes, and parental diet and exercise behaviors have been associated with childhood obesity. The current study utilized a family systems framework to examine the effect of these variables on weight and health changes in a primarily Black sample of 530 parent-adolescent dyads enrolled in a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention. Parent-reported psychosocial variables and demographic information were used to test models predicting changes in adolescents’ body mass index, cholesterol, and percentage body fat over the first six months of the intervention. The effect of parent participation in a psycho-education parent group on adolescent health outcomes was …


Sources Of Variance In Bite Count, Jenna Scisco May 2012

Sources Of Variance In Bite Count, Jenna Scisco

All Dissertations

The obesity epidemic affects millions of individuals worldwide. New tools that simplify efforts to self-monitor energy intake may enable successful weight loss and weight maintenance. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of the number of bites recorded by the bite counter device during daily meals in natural, real world settings. Participants (N = 83) used bite counters to record daily meals for two weeks. Participants also recorded their daily dietary intake using automated, computer-based 24-hour recalls. Predictors of bite count were explored at the meal-level and individual-level using multilevel linear modeling. A positive relationship between kilocalories and …


Adolescent Girls' Experience Of Binge And Loss Of Control Eating, Allison Palmberg Mar 2012

Adolescent Girls' Experience Of Binge And Loss Of Control Eating, Allison Palmberg

Theses and Dissertations

The current investigation used qualitative methodology to examine adolescent girls’ perceptions of control over their eating, as well as triggers, and consequences of binge and related eating behaviors. Focus groups were completed with 19 adolescent girls (aged 13-17, 58% African American, 41% White) who endorsed the behaviors. Responses to focus group questions were qualitatively analyzed using a grounded theory approach and constant comparison coding. Results reflected a fundamental lack of awareness of the loss of control (LOC) eating behaviors. Yet, the data did reflect a central theme of the need to affirm independence and autonomy through eating behaviors via three …


Clinical Benefits Of Emotional Freedom Techniques On Food Cravings At 12-Months Follow-Up: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter Mar 2012

Clinical Benefits Of Emotional Freedom Techniques On Food Cravings At 12-Months Follow-Up: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Peta Stapleton, Terri Sheldon, Brett Porter

Peta B. Stapleton

This randomised, single-blind, crossover trial tested whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) maintained reduced food cravings in participants after 12-months, and updates previously reported 6-month findings. Ninety-six overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-, post- and 12-month follow-up for collapsed groups. Significant improvements occurred in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pre- to 12-months (p<0.05). It appears EFT can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time and impact upon weight and BMI in overweight and obese individuals.


Differences Between Post-Bariatric Patients And Controls In A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program: Implications For Treatment, Ashley A. Wiedemann Jan 2012

Differences Between Post-Bariatric Patients And Controls In A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program: Implications For Treatment, Ashley A. Wiedemann

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A comprehensive substance abuse treatment facility began observing increased admissions who reported histories of bariatric surgeries. The present study examined what unique variables may pose risk for substance abuse among bariatric surgery candidates and what issues may affect prognosis or treatment outcome for those currently in substance abuse treatment. Participants completed a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicate that post-bariatric patients developed problematic substance use significantly later in life, during a time that is not normative of new development of substances; were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorders; and reported a significantly poorer …


Reducing Overweight And Obesity Among Elementary Students In Wuhan, China, Ling Qian, Ian Newman, Duane F. Shell, Cheng Maojin Cheng Jan 2012

Reducing Overweight And Obesity Among Elementary Students In Wuhan, China, Ling Qian, Ian Newman, Duane F. Shell, Cheng Maojin Cheng

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Obesity and overweight among children in China is a growing concern. The curriculum and organization of Chinese schools focuses on academic achievement leaving little time for other programs. This pilot program illustrated that it is possible to involve schools and parents in a program to reduce obesity and overweight. Teachers, school staff, parents and elementary students were involved in an all-school educational initiative based on WHO’s Health Promoting School Model. The program was evaluated with a mixed modal ANOVA using a 3-level within subjects repeated factor (baseline, 1st follow-up, 2nd follow-up) and a 2-level between subjects factor (gender: boys and …


Risky Sexual Behavior: A Race-Specific Social Consequence Of Obesity, Tamara Leech, Janice Johnson Dias Jan 2012

Risky Sexual Behavior: A Race-Specific Social Consequence Of Obesity, Tamara Leech, Janice Johnson Dias

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Scant attention has been given to the consequence of actual weight status for adolescents' sexual wellbeing. In this article, we investigate the race-specific connection between obesity and risky sexual behavior among adolescent girls. Propensity scores and radius matching are used to analyze a sample of 340 adolescents aged 16-17 who participated in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth Young Adult Survey in 2000 or 2002. Nearly even numbers of these participants identified as white and black (183 and 157, respectively). We find that compared to their non-obese white peers, obese white adolescent girls exhibit higher rates of multiple sex partners …


Predictors Of Attrition And Success In A Weight Management Program For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Kevin O'Leary Jan 2012

Predictors Of Attrition And Success In A Weight Management Program For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Kevin O'Leary

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Aim: To examine the factors that lead to attrition and success in a weight management program for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The current study specifically examines the effect of quality of life, expected weight loss, self-esteem, and early weight loss on attrition and success rates. Methods: Archival data from a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Center for Weight and Eating Disorders were used. Seventy-nine overweight and obese subjects with type 2 diabetes participated in a lifestyle modification program over 40 weeks. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between early weight loss, expected …


The Relationship Between Middle School Students' Perceptions Of Physical Activity, Student Engagement, And Academic Achievement, Jeremy D. Moretti Jan 2012

The Relationship Between Middle School Students' Perceptions Of Physical Activity, Student Engagement, And Academic Achievement, Jeremy D. Moretti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity is important, and many adolescents are not meeting the recommendation that youth participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week (CDC, 2011). Physical inactivity among middle school students is on the rise and may be a contributing factor to a decline in academic performance. Prior research has focused primarily on bodily health; however, growing evidence supports the benefits of physical activity for academic achievement (Chomitz et al., 2009). This study examined the relationship between middle school students' perceptions of physical activity and student engagement they relate to academic achievement among 179 middle …


Correlates Of Overweight And Obesity In A Hispanic Community Sample, Julie Ann Blow Jan 2012

Correlates Of Overweight And Obesity In A Hispanic Community Sample, Julie Ann Blow

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

There is a dearth of literature regarding culturally- and theoretically-based constructs related to weight control in Hispanic populations. Aims of this study included observing culturally and theoretically based correlates of weight and waist circumference in an overweight / obese Hispanic sample. Data were collected from 232 participants at a local health care clinic. Measures included demographics, cultural constructs, and theoretical constructs from Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Participants completed paper and pencil measures in English or Spanish and had height, weight, and waist circumference measured. Inferential analyses used hierarchical regression models to predict …


An Examination Of Psychological Risk Factors For The Development Of Substance Abuse Among Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients, Valentina Ivezaj Jan 2012

An Examination Of Psychological Risk Factors For The Development Of Substance Abuse Among Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients, Valentina Ivezaj

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Bariatric surgery is a clinically effective tool that commonly results in sustained weight loss changes for the majority of patients. While bariatric surgery is generally associated with a number of positive health outcomes post-operatively, some popular media outlets and clinical anecdotes have presented concerns about the notion of “addiction transfer” and substance abuse post-bariatric surgery. There is a lack of research, however, in this area. The present study examined the rate of substance abuse in a broad sample of postbariatric surgery patients and examined potential risk factors for the development of substance abuse post-surgery. It was hypothesized that documented risk …


An Evaluation Of A Group Nutritional Program In A Population Of Obese Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities, Jamie Via Jan 2012

An Evaluation Of A Group Nutritional Program In A Population Of Obese Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities, Jamie Via

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Individuals with serious mental illnesses are at high risk for obesity. The increased risk of obesity and comorbid medical conditions among individuals with serious mental illnesses has increased the need to seek and utilize effective treatments to address obesity in this population. In efforts to address the need for effective treatment, Eli Lilly and Company developed the Solutions for Wellness program. The aim of this study was to examine if the Solutions for Wellness nutritional program was effective in increasing wellness knowledge and increasing healthy lifestyle choices within a small sample of obese individuals with serious mental illnesses. The nutritional …


Overweight, Obesity, And Mental Illnesses: Weight Loss Treatment, Michelle Huang Jan 2012

Overweight, Obesity, And Mental Illnesses: Weight Loss Treatment, Michelle Huang

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

For the past 30 years, overweight and obesity has increased at alarming rates in the general population. This public health crisis has affected persons with mental illnesses as it has those in the general population. Little is known about how individuals with psychiatric problems respond to weight-loss treatment compared to the general population. The current study examines the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group weight-loss intervention with such individuals. The study also examines self-esteem, motivation, and the involvement of a support person in treatment as predictor variables. The treatment was shown to be effective regardless of depression severity. However, while all …


The Sexual Behaviors And Practices Of People With Obesity: A Pilot Study, Akers D. Adam Jan 2012

The Sexual Behaviors And Practices Of People With Obesity: A Pilot Study, Akers D. Adam

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The study was designed as a pilot of an online survey intended to assess the amount and type of sexual behaviors in which members of the obese community engage. Further, the study examined how this population may differ from individuals of typical weight with regard to sexual behaviors and practices, including risky sexual practices and self-esteem. As a pilot study, feedback from members of the population of interest was elicited in a fashion consistent with the principles of Participatory Action Research. The feedback provided by the participants was used to make improvements to the survey for the purpose of future …