Dietary Calcium Intake Is Associated With Less Gain in Intra‐Abdominal Adipose Tissue Over 1 Year

Calcium intake is reported to enhance weight loss with a preferential loss in trunk fat. Discrepant findings exist as to the effects of calcium intake on longitudinal changes in total fat mass and central fat deposition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine associations between dietary calcium intake and 1‐year change in body composition and fat distribution, specifically intra‐abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT). A total of 119 healthy, premenopausal women were evaluated at baseline and 1 year later. Average dietary calcium was determined via 4‐day food records. Total fat was determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) and IAAT by computed tomography. Over the study period, participants' reported daily calcium and energy intakes were 610.0 ± 229.9 mg and 1,623.1 ± 348.5 kcal, respectively. The mean change in weight, total fat, IAAT, and SAAT was 4.9 ± 4.4 kg, 5.3 ± 4.0 kg, 7.7 ± 19.5 cm², and 49.3 ± 81.1 cm², respectively. Average calcium intake was significantly, inversely associated with 1‐year change in IAAT (standardized β: ?0.23, P < 0.05) after adjusting for confounding variables. For every 100 mg/day of calcium consumed, gain in IAAT was reduced by 2.7 cm². No significant associations were observed for average calcium intake with change in weight, total fat, or SAAT. In conclusion, dietary calcium intake was significantly associated with less gain in IAAT over 1 year in premenopausal women. Further investigation is needed to verify these findings and determine the calcium intake needed to exert beneficial effects on fat distribution.     

Calcium and Dairy Intake and Measures of Obesity in Hyper‐ and Normocholesterolemic Children

Objective: Calcium intake has been inversely associated with body weight and body fatness in adults and, to a lesser extent, in children. Dairy intake has been inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in overweight but not normal‐weight adults. We assessed whether intakes of calcium and dairy foods were associated with measures of obesity in hypercholesterolemic (HC) and normocholesterolemic (non‐HC) children at baseline and over 1 year. Research Methods and Procedures: Non‐obese 4‐ to 10‐year‐old HC and non‐HC children (342) completed three 24‐hour dietary recalls and provided measures of relative weight (BMI and BMI z scores) and adiposity (sum of skinfolds, trunk skinfolds) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal regression analyses, stratified by cholesterol risk status (HC vs. non‐HC) and age (4 to 6 years and 7 to 10 years) and adjusted for potential confounders, were conducted. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, and percentage energy from fat, calcium intake was inversely associated with BMI, sum of skinfolds, and trunk skinfolds at baseline and over 1 year in the 7‐ to 10‐year‐old non‐HC children. Results from the regression models also indicated an inverse relation between intake of dairy foods and measures of obesity at baseline in these children. Calcium or dairy intake was not associated with measures of obesity in HC children or in the 4‐ to 6‐year‐old non‐HC children. Discussion: These results suggest a complex relation among intake of calcium and dairy foods, measures of obesity, age, and serum cholesterol in children. Older children without risk of metabolic syndrome may benefit most from increased calcium intake.     

Calcium and Dairy Acceleration of Weight and Fat Loss during Energy Restriction in Obese Adults

Objective: Increasing 1, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D in response to low‐calcium diets stimulates adipocyte Ca²⁺ influx and, as a consequence, stimulates lipogenesis, suppresses lipolysis, and increases lipid accumulation, whereas increasing dietary calcium inhibits these effects and markedly accelerates fat loss in mice subjected to caloric restriction. Our objective was to determine the effects of increasing dietary calcium in the face of caloric restriction in humans. Research Methods and Procedures: We performed a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in 32 obese adults. Patients were maintained for 24 weeks on balanced deficit diets (500 kcal/d deficit) and randomized to a standard diet (400 to 500 mg of dietary calcium/d supplemented with placebo), a high‐calcium diet (standard diet supplemented with 800 mg of calcium/d), or high‐dairy diet (1200 to 1300 mg of dietary calcium/d supplemented with placebo). Results: Patients assigned to the standard diet lost 6.4 ± 2.5% of their body weight, which was increased by 26% (to 8.6 ± 1.1%) on the high‐calcium diet and 70% (to 10.9 ± 1.6% of body weight) on the high‐dairy diet (p < 0.01). Fat loss was similarly augmented by the high‐calcium and high‐dairy diets, by 38% and 64%, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, fat loss from the trunk region represented 19.0 ± 7.9% of total fat loss on the low‐calcium diet, and this fraction was increased to 50.1 ± 6.4% and 66.2 ± 3.0% on the high‐calcium and high‐dairy diets, respectively (p < 0.001). Discussion: Increasing dietary calcium significantly augmented weight and fat loss secondary to caloric restriction and increased the percentage of fat lost from the trunk region, whereas dairy products exerted a substantially greater effect.     

Effect of 1-year dairy product intervention on fat mass in young women: 6-month follow-up

Objective: Previous results from this laboratory suggest that a 1‐year dairy intake intervention in young women does not alter fat mass. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the 1‐year dairy intervention 6 months after completion of the intervention. Research Methods and Procedures: Previously, normal‐weight young women (n = 154) were randomized to one of three calcium intake groups: control (<800 mg/d), medium dairy (1000 to 1100 mg/d), or high dairy (1300 to 1400 mg/d) for a 1‐year trial (n = 135 completed). In the current study, 51 women were assessed 6 months after completion of the intervention trial. Body compositions (body fat, lean mass) were measured using DXA. Self‐report questionnaires were utilized to measure activity and dietary intake (kilocalories, calcium). Results: The high‐dairy group (n = 19) maintained an elevated calcium intake (1027 ± 380 mg/d) at 18 months compared with the control group (n = 18, 818 ± 292; p = 0.02). Mean calcium intake over the 18 months predicted a negative change in fat mass (p = 0.04) when baseline BMI was controlled in regression analysis (model R² = 0.11). 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D levels were correlated with fat mass at each time‐point (baseline, r = ?0.41, p = 0.003; 12 months, r = ?0.42, p = 0.002; 18 months, r = ?0.32, p = 0.02) but did not predict changes in fat mass. Discussion: Dietary calcium intake over 18 months predicted a negative change in body fat mass. Thus, increased dietary calcium intakes through dairy products may prevent fat mass accumulation in young, healthy, normal‐weight women.     

Energy‐Dense Snack Food Intake in Adolescence: Longitudinal Relationship to Weight and Fatness

Objective: The longitudinal relationship between the consumption of energy‐dense snack (EDS) foods and relative weight change during adolescence is uncertain. Using data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Growth and Development Study, the current analysis was undertaken to examine the longitudinal relationship of EDS food intake with relative weight status and percentage body fat and to examine how EDS food consumption is related to television viewing. Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred ninety‐six nonobese premenarcheal girls 8 to 12 years old were enrolled between 1990 and 1993 and followed until 4 years after menarche. At each annual follow‐up visit, data were collected on percentage body fat (%BF), BMI z score, and dietary intake. Categories of EDS foods considered were baked goods, ice cream, chips, sugar‐sweetened soda, and candy. Results: At study entry, girls had a mean ± SD BMI z score of ?0.27 ± 0.89, consumed 2.3 ± 1.7 servings of EDS foods per day, and consumed 15.7 ± 8.1% of daily calories from EDS foods. Linear mixed effects modeling indicated no relationship between BMI z score or %BF and total EDS food consumption. Soda was the only EDS food that was significantly related to BMI z score over the 10‐year study period, but it was not related to %BF. In addition, a significant, positive relationship was observed between EDS food consumption and television viewing. Discussion: In this cohort of initially nonobese girls, overall EDS food consumption does not seem to influence weight status or fatness change over the adolescent period.     

Body Composition Changes in Caucasian and African American Children and Adolescents with Obesity Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Measurements after a 10-Week Weight Loss Program

Objective : Changes in body composition during a weight loss program have not been described in children. We wanted to test the hypothesis that weight loss can be achieved while maintaining total body fat-free mass. Research Methods and Procedures : We determined body composition changes by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured at baseline and after the first 10 weeks of a multidisciphnary weight loss program. The program consisted of 10 weekly group sessions where the children were provided instruction in lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise. Program leaders included a pediatrician, psychologist, registered dietitian, and exercise instructor. Results : We studied 59 obese children, mean (± SD) age 12.8 ± 2.6 years, 29% boys and 71% girls, 49% Caucasian, and 51% African American. At enrollment, the children's mean height and body mass index were 157 cm and 38.9 kg/m², respectively. The children's dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived mean at baseline and at 10 weeks and corresponding p values were: weight (94.6 kg vs. 92.3 kg, p<0.0001), total body fat mass (46.9 kg vs. 44.3 kg, p<0.0001), percentage total body fat (49.2% vs. 47.5%, p<0.0001), total trunk mass (43.0 kg vs. 41.5 kg,p<0.0001), total trunk fat (21.2 kg vs. 20.0 kg, p<0.0001), total body fat-free mass (47.6 kg vs. 47.9 kg, p = 0.33), total body bone mass (2.7 kg vs. 2.7 kg, p = 0.99), and total body bone mineral density (1.14 g/cm² vs. 1.15 g/cm², p = 0.0119). The children's race, gender, or Tanner stage did not affect these changes. Discussion : Decreases in total body fat mass was achieved, and total body fat-free mass was maintained among boy and girl Caucasian and African American children participating in this lifestyle modification weight loss program.     

Total and Regional Fat and Serum Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Lean and Obese Children and Adolescents

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the association of total and central adiposity with serum cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in lean and obese Portuguese children and adolescents. Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 87 girls (13.2 ± 1.6 years old, 29.9 ± 6.4% body fat [mean ± SD]) and 72 boys (13.2 ± 1.6 years old, 20.8 ± 9.9% body fat) volunteered for the study. Whole‐body composition and fat distribution, from DXA and anthropometry, and serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins were evaluated. Results: The sum of three trunk skinfolds (STS) was highly correlated with total trunk fat mass measured by DXA (p < 0.001). Body mass index, DXA‐measured percentage of body fat, trunk fat mass, STS, and the waist‐to‐height ratio were generally found to be associated with triacylglycerol, the ratio of total cholesterol (TC) to high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), and apolipoprotein B levels, (significant age‐adjusted r between 0.16 and 0.27, p < 0.05). Body mass index, STS, and the waist circumference were also associated with HDL‐C (p < 0.05), whereas no body composition variable significantly correlated with TC or apolipoproteins A‐I. The STS was significantly correlated with HDL‐C (p < 0.01), TC/HDL‐C (p < 0.05), and apolipoproteins A‐I (p < 0.05) independently of whole‐body fatness. Obese subjects (n = 73) had higher TC, LDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C, and apolipoprotein B than did non‐obese subjects (n = 86), and significant associations between central adiposity and some lipid variables (triacylglycerol and HDL‐C) were found in obese children and adolescents that were not present in leaner individuals. Discussion: DXA‐ and anthropometry‐based whole‐body and central fat measures are associated with serum CVD risk factors in Portuguese boys and girls. Obese children and adolescents have a poorer lipid profile than do their leaner counterparts. Trunk skinfolds, which are easy to obtain even in large samples, predict CVD risk factors to the same extent as DXA‐based variables, in some cases, independently of total fatness.     

Body fat responses to a 1‐year combined exercise training program in male coronary artery disease patients

Objective:

To analyze the body fat (BF) content and distribution modifications in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in response to a 1‐year combined aerobic and resistance exercise training (CET) program.

Design and Methods:

We followed two groups of CAD male patients for 12 months. One group consisted of 17 subjects (57 ± 12 years) who engaged in a CET program (CET group) and the other was a age‐matched control group of 10 subjects (58 ± 11 years). BF content and distribution were measured through dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and follow‐up.

Results:

We found no differences on body mass and BMI between baseline and end of follow‐up in both groups but, in CET group, we found significant reductions in all analyzed BF depots, including total BF (21.60 ± 6.00 vs. 20.32 ± 5.89 kg, P < 0.01), % total BF (27.8 ± 5.5 vs. 26.4 ± 5.4%, P < 0.05), trunk fat (12.54 ± 3.99 vs. 11.77 ± 4.01 kg, P < 0.05), % trunk fat (31.1 ± 6.9 and 29.2 ± 7.1%, P < 0.05), appendicular fat (8.22 ± 2.08 vs. 7.72 ± 2.037 kg, P < 0.01), % appendicular fat (25.7 ± 4.9 and 24.5 ± 4.9%, P < 0.05), and abdominal fat (2.95 ± 1.06 vs. 2.75 ± 1.10 kg, P < 0.05). Control group showed significant increase in appendicular fat (7.63 ± 1.92 vs. 8.10 ± 2.12 kg, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These results confirm the positive effect of CET on body composition of CAD patients, despite no changes in body mass or BMI. In this study, we observed no alterations on BF distribution meaning similar rate of fat loss in all analyzed BF depots. These results also alert for the limitations of BMI for tracking body composition changes.     

Two-year internet-based randomized controlled trial for weight loss in African-American girls

Objective: A randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of an internet‐based lifestyle behavior modification program for African‐American girls over a 2‐year period of intervention. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐seven overweight (mean BMI percentile, 98.3) African‐American girls (mean age, 13.2 years) were randomly assigned to an interactive behavioral internet program or an internet health education program, the control condition. Overweight parents were also participants in the study. Forty adolescent‐parent dyads (70%) completed the 2‐year trial. Outcome data including BMI, body weight, body composition, and weight loss behaviors were collected at baseline and at 6‐month intervals. A computer server tracked use of the web sites. Results: An intention‐to‐treat statistical approach was used, with the last observation carried forward. In comparison with the control condition, adolescents in the behavioral program lost more mean body fat (BF) (?1.12 ± 0.47% vs. 0.43 ± 0.47% BF, p < 0.05), and parents in the behavioral program lost significantly more mean body weight (?2.43 ± 0.66 vs. ?0.35 ± 0.64 kg, p < 0.05) during the first 6 months. This weight loss was regained over the next 18 months. After 2 years, differences in fat for adolescents (?0.08 ± 0.71% vs. 0.84 ± 0.72% BF) and weight for parents (?1.1 ± 0.91 vs. ?0.60 ± 0.89 kg) did not differ between the behavioral and control programs. Discussion: An internet‐based weight management program for African‐American adolescent girls and their parents resulted in weight loss during the first 6 months but did not yield long‐term loss due to reduced use of the web site over time.     

Calcium and dairy product modulation of lipid utilization and energy expenditure

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary calcium or dairy product intake on total energy expenditure (TEE), fat oxidation, and thermic effect of a meal (TEM) during a weight loss trial. Methods and Procedures: The intervention included a prescribed 500‐kcal deficit diet in a randomized placebo‐controlled calcium or dairy product intervention employing twenty‐four 18 to 31‐year‐old (22.2 ± 3.1 years, mean ± s.d.) overweight women (75.5 ± 9.6 kg). TEM and fat oxidation were measured using respiratory gas exchange after a meal challenge, and TEE was measured by doubly labeled water. Fat mass (FM) and lean mass (fat‐free mass (FFM)) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Subjects were randomized into one of these three intervention groups: (i) placebo (<800 mg/day calcium intake); (ii) 900 mg/day calcium supplement; (iii) three servings of dairy products/day to achieve an additional 900 mg/day. Results: There were no group effects observed in change in TEE; however, a group effect was observed for fat oxidation after adjusting for FFM (P = 0.02). The treatment effect was due to an increase in fat oxidation in the calcium‐supplemented group of 1.5 ± 0.6 g/h, P = 0.02. Baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was positively correlated with TEM (R = 0.31, P = 0.004), and trended toward a correlation with fat oxidation (P = 0.06), independent of group assignment. Finally, the change in log parathyroid hormone (PTH) was positively correlated with the change in trunk FM (R = 0.27, P = 0.03). Discussion: These results support that calcium intake increases fat oxidation, but does not change TEE and that adequate vitamin D status may enhance TEM and fat oxidation.     

Reexamining Obesigenic Families: Parents’ Obesity‐related Behaviors Predict Girls’ Change in BMI

Objective: It has been shown that girls from families in which mothers and fathers had high dietary intake and low physical activity (i.e., obesigenic families) were at increased risk of obesity from ages 5 to 7 years. This follow‐up study uses additional data collected when girls were 9 and 11 years old to examine whether girls from obesigenic families continued to show greater increases in BMI over time and reported unhealthy dietary and activity patterns. Research Methods and Procedures: Families from the original cohort were reexamined when girls were 9 and 11 years of age. Parents’ and girls’ BMI, dietary intake, and physical activity and girls’ percentage body fat and television viewing were assessed. Results: In comparison with girls from non‐obesigenic families, girls from obesigenic families showed greater increases in BMI and BMI z score from ages 5 to 7 years that were maintained across ages 7 to 11 years. Furthermore, girls from obesigenic families had higher percentage body fat at ages 9 and 11 years. These results were independent of parents’ BMI. Additional findings showed that girls from obesigenic families had diets higher in percentage fat and had higher levels of television viewing than girls from non‐obesigenic families. Discussion: The environment that parents create, by way of their own dietary and physical activity behaviors, may have a lasting negative effect on children's weight trajectories and their emerging obesity risk behaviors, such as their dietary patterns. These findings further highlight the importance of the family in establishing children's obesity risk and the necessity of targeting parents of young children in obesity prevention efforts.     

Efficacy of α‐Lactalbumin and Milk Protein on Weight Loss and Body Composition During Energy Restriction

Our objective was to examine whether elevated α‐lactalbumin (αlac) protein intake compared to elevated supra sustained milk protein (SSP) and sustained milk protein (SP) intake results into a difference in body weight and body composition over a 6‐month energy‐restriction intervention. Body weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), satiety and blood‐ and urine‐parameters of 87 subjects (BMI 31 ± 5 kg/m² and fat percentage 40 ± 8%) were assessed before and after daily energy intakes of 100, 33, and 67% for 1, 1, and 2 months respectively (periods 1, 2, and 3), with protein intake from meal replacements and 2 months of 67% with ad libitum protein intake additional to the meal replacements (period 4). The diets resulted in 0.8 ± 0.3 g/kg body mass (BM) for SP and significant higher protein intake (24‐h nitrogen) of 1.2 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.3 g/kgBM for SSP and αlac (P < 0.05). Body weight and fat percentage was decreased in all groups after 6 months (SP ?7 ± 5 kg and ?5 ± 3%; SSP ?6 ± 3 kg and ?5 ± 3%; αlac ?6 ± 4 kg and ?4 ± 4%, P < 0.001; there was no significant group by time difference). Furthermore, sparing of fat‐free mass (FFM) and preservation of REE in function of FFM during weight loss was not significantly different between the αlac‐group and the SSP‐ and SP‐groups. In conclusion, the efficacy of αlac in reduction of body weight and fat mass (FM), and preservation of FFM does not differ from the efficacy of similar daily intakes of milk protein during 6 months of energy restriction.     

Association between television in bedroom and adiposity throughout adolescence

Objective: The objective was to determine if having a television (TV) in the bedroom is associated with physical activity (PA), TV/video viewing, and adiposity throughout adolescence. Research Methods and Procedures: Longitudinal data (September 2002 through June 2005) were analyzed of 379 initially 12‐year‐old French adolescents participating as controls in the Intervention Centered on Adolescents’ Physical activity and Sedentary behavior (ICAPS). Presence of a TV set in the bedroom (TV_bedroom) and leisure activities were obtained by questionnaire. There was annual assessment of BMI, waist circumference, and body fat by bioimpedance. Results: In boys but not girls, baseline TV_bedroom was associated with higher TV/video viewing over time [odds ratio (OR) of high TV/video = 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.8] and less no‐sport club participation (OR = 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 1.0). Both boys and girls with baseline TV_bedroom had lower reading time (p < 0.0001 in boys; p = 0.04 in girls), while PA did not differ according to TV_bedroom for boys or for girls. For boys only, baseline TV_bedroom was associated with higher BMI (mean BMI over time 20.5 ± 0.5 vs. 19.0 ± 0.5 kg/m²; p = 0.001), waist circumference (70.9 ± 0.9 vs. 67.2 ± 0.8 cm; p < 0.001), and body fat (15.9 ± 0.9% vs. 13.5 ± 0.9%; p < 0.001), without interaction with time. These relationships remained significant after adjustment for socioeconomic status. TV/video viewing explained 26%, 42%, and 36% of the relationships of TV_bedroom with BMI, waist circumference, and body fat, respectively, while addition of other leisure activities in the models only marginally reduced the effects. Discussion: These results suggest the importance of keeping TV out of an adolescent's bedroom from an obesity prevention perspective but show gender differences.     

Percentage Fat in Overweight and Obese Children: Comparison of DXA and Air Displacement Plethysmography**

Objective: To compare percentage body fat (percentage fat) estimates from DXA and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in overweight and obese children. Research Methods and Procedures: Sixty‐nine children (49 boys and 20 girls) 14.0 ± 1.65 years of age, with a BMI of 31.3 ± 5.6 kg/m² and a percentage fat (DXA) of 42.5 ± 8.4%, participated in the study. ADP body fat content was estimated from body density (D_b) using equations devised by Siri (ADP_Siri) and Lohman (ADP_Loh). Results: ADP estimates of percentage fat were highly correlated with those of DXA in both male and female subjects (r = 0.90 to 0.93, all p < 0.001; standard error of estimate = 2.50% to 3.39%). Compared with DXA estimates, ADP_Siri and ADP_Loh produced significantly (p < 0.01) lower estimates of mean body fat content in boys (?2.85% and ?4.64%, respectively) and girls (?2.95% and ?5.15%, respectively). Agreement between ADP and DXA methods was further examined using the total error and methods of Bland and Altman. Total error ranged from 4.46% to 6.38% in both male and female subjects. The 95% limits of agreement were relatively similar for all percentage fat estimates, ranging from ±6.73% to ±7.94%. Discussion: In this study, conversion of D_b using the Siri equation led to mean percentage fat estimates that agreed better with those determined by DXA compared with the Lohman equations. However, relatively high limits of agreement using either equation resulted in percentage fat estimates that were not interchangeable with percentage fat determined by DXA.     

Successful long-term weight maintenance: a 2-year follow-up

Objective: To find factors associated with successful weight maintenance (WM) in overweight and obese subjects after a very low‐calorie diet (VLCD). Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects (133) followed a VLCD (2.1 MJ/d) for 6 weeks in a free‐living situation. Of these, 103 subjects (age, 49.6 ± 9.7 years; BMI, 30.9 ± 3.8 kg/m²) completed the following 2‐year WM period. Body weight (BW), body composition, leptin concentration, attitude toward eating, and physical activity were determined right before (t0) and after (t1) the VLCD, after 3 months (t2), after 1 year (t3), after 1.5 years (t4), and after 2 years (t5). Results: BW loss during VLCD was 7.2 ± 3.1 kg. After 2 years, follow‐up BW regain was 69.0 ± 98.4%. After 2 years of WM, 13 subjects were successful (<10% BW regain), and 90 were unsuccessful (>10% BW regain). At baseline, these groups were significantly different in BMI (33.7 ± 4.7 vs. 30.5 ± 3.5 kg/m², respectively; p < 0.05) and fat mass (38.3 ± 9.8 vs. 32.1 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.05). Successful subjects increased their dietary restraint significantly more during the whole study period (dietary restraint score, ?4.9 ± 4.4 vs. ?2.1 ± 3.8). Furthermore, %BW regain was associated with the amount of percentage body fat lost during VLCD, which indicates that the more fat lost, the better the WM, suggesting a fat free mass‐sparing effect. Discussion: Characteristics such as the ability to increase dietary restraint and maintain this high level of restraint, fat free mass sparing, and a relatively high baseline BMI and fat mass were associated with successful long‐term WM (<10% regain after 2 years).     

Inherited Taste Sensitivity to 6‐n‐Propylthiouracil in Diet and Body Weight in Children

Objective: Negative associations between the inherited ability to taste the bitter compound 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) and preference for fat and body weight have been observed in adults. This study tested the relationships among the ability to taste PROP, reported food intake, and body weight in young children. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐three 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children were classified as tasters (N = 35) or nontasters (N = 18) of PROP using a standard screening solution. Anthropometric measures were taken in the laboratory. Mothers completed questionnaires to assess their child's food intake and their own dieting behaviors. Results: Nontaster boys had higher weight‐for‐height percentiles than taster boys (77th vs. 56th percentile, respectively), but the relationship was opposite for girls (p ≤ 0.05). Nontasters reportedly consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy from protein (p ≤ 0.01), mainly as high‐fat meat products. Tasters reportedly consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy from sugars (p ≤ 0.05), mainly in the form of brownies, doughnuts, cookies, soft drinks, and juice drinks. There were no differences between tasters and nontasters for reported intake of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or discretionary fats. Discussion: This study is the first, to our knowledge, to report weight differences in children as a function of their PROP status. Genetic taste factors seem to play a role in the development of dietary patterns and weight differences in young children, but the nature of these relationships may vary with gender.     

The Impact of Calcium and Dairy Product Consumption on Weight Loss

Objective: Recent evidence suggests that diets high in calcium and dairy products are associated with lower body weight, particularly lower body fat levels. The purpose of this study was to compare weight and body fat loss on a calorie-restricted, low-dairy (CR) vs. high-dairy (CR+D) diet. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty-four subjects (BMI 30 ± 2.5 kg/m², 45 ± 6.6 years, 4 men) were randomly assigned to calorie-restricted (−500 kcal/d) low-dairy calcium (n = 29; ∼1 serving dairy/d, 500 mg/d calcium) or high-dairy calcium (n = 25; 3 to 4 servings dairy/d, 1200 to 1400 mg/d calcium) diets for 12 months. Main outcome measures included change in weight (kilograms) and body fat (percentage). Results: There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. At 12 months, weight and body fat loss were not significantly different. Subjects in the CR vs. CR+D conditions lost 9.6 ± 6.5 vs. 10.8 ± 5.9 kg (p = 0.56) and 9.0 ± 3.8 vs. 10.1 ± 3.6 kg body fat (p = 0.37). Discussion: These findings suggest that a high-dairy calcium diet does not substantially improve weight loss beyond what can be achieved in a behavioral intervention.     

Stability of Adiposity Phenotypes from Childhood and Adolescence into Young Adulthood with Contribution of Parental Measures

Objective: The stability of several indicators of body composition and adipose tissue distribution over 12 years was quantified. Research Methods and Procedures: The participants were 77 boys and 76 girls who were evaluated along with their parents at baseline as children and adolescents (8 to 18 years of age) and remeasured as young adults 12 years later. Indicators of body composition included the body mass index, fat mass, fat free mass, percentage of body fat, sum of six skinfolds (SF6), and the first principal component of six age‐adjusted skinfold residuals. Relative adipose tissue distribution was represented by the second principal component of skinfold residuals and a trunk‐to‐extremity skinfold ratio, adjusted for SF6. Results: Partial interage correlations, controlling for initial age and length of follow‐up, were 0.65 and 0.59 for the body mass index, 0.59 and 0.64 for fat mass, 0.65 and 0.57 for fat free mass, 0.50 and 0.57 for percentage of body fat, 0.66 and 0.44 for SF6, 0.64 and 0.42 for the first principal component of six age‐adjusted skinfold residuals, 0.19 and 0.31 for the second principal component of skinfold residuals, and 0.41 and 0.47 for trunk‐to‐extremity skinfold ratio, adjusted for SF6, in men and women, respectively. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the significant partial R² values of parental measurements on the prediction of their offspring in young adulthood ranged from 2% to 9%. Discussion: The results indicate moderately high stability of indicators of body composition and somewhat lower stability of measures of adipose tissue distribution. Overall, parental measures offer less predictive value than do measures of childhood and adolescent body composition and adipose tissue distribution.     

Effects of Dinner Composition on Postprandial Macronutrient Oxidation in Prepubertal Girls

Objective: To see whether a fat‐rich (50%) evening meal promoted fat oxidation and a different spontaneous food intake on the following day at breakfast than a meal with a lower fat content (20%) in 10 prepubertal obese girls. Research Methods and Procedures: The postabsorptive and postprandial (10.5 hours) energy expenditure after a low‐fat (LF) (20% fat, 68% carbohydrate, 12% protein) and an isocaloric (2.1 MJ) and isoproteic high‐fat (HF; 50% fat, 38% carbohydrate, 12% protein) meal were measured by in direct calorimetry. Results: Fat oxidation was not significantly different after the two meals [LF, 31 ± 9 vs. HF, 35 ± 9 g/10.5 hours, p = not significant (NS)]. The girls oxidized 1.8 ± 0.9 times more fat than that ingested (11.1 grams) with the LF meal vs. 0.3 ± 0.3 times more fat than that ingested (27.1 grams) with the HF meal (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate oxidation was significantly higher after an LF than an HF meal (39 ± 12 vs. 29 ± 9 g/10.5 hours, p < 0, 05). At breakfast, the girls spontaneously ingested a similar amount of energy (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6 MJ, p = NS) and macronutrient proportions (fat, 23% vs. 26%, p = NS; protein, 9% vs. 10%; carbohydrate, 68% vs. 64%,) independently of their having eaten an HF or an LF dinner. Discussion: An HF dinner did not stimulate fat oxidation, and no compensatory effect in spontaneous food intake was observed during breakfast the following morning. Cumulated total fat oxidation after dinner was higher than total fat ingested at dinner, but a much larger negative fat balance was observed after the LF meal. Spontaneous energy and nutrient intakes at breakfast were similar after LF and HF isocaloric, isoproteic dinners. This study points out the lack of sensitivity of short‐term fat balance to subsequently readjust fat intake and emphasizes the importance of an LF meal to avoid transient positive fat imbalance.     

The Effect of Repeated Episodes of Dietary Restriction and Refeeding on Systolic Blood Pressure and Food Intake in Exercise‐Trained Normotensive Rats

Objective: To explore the effects of weight cycling and exercise on blood pressure and macronutrient intake in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Research Methods and Procedures: Female Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 62; 5 months old) were assigned to an ad libitum (Con) or weight‐cycled (Cyc) group. They were either sedentary (Con‐Sed and Cyc‐Sed) or exercise‐trained (Con‐Ex and Cyc‐Ex) on a motorized treadmill (20 m/minute; 60 minutes/day; 6 days/week). The Cyc groups underwent 2 cycles of 3 weeks of 60% food restriction followed by 5 weeks of ad libitum refeeding using a macronutrient self‐selection diet. Body mass and food intake were analyzed weekly. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured at baseline and during the first and fifth weeks of each refeeding. Results: For both cycling periods, SBP was elevated in Cyc vs. Con groups at Week 1 of refeeding, but was similar among groups by Week 5 of refeeding. Both Con groups had greater total energy intake than the Cyc groups for both cycling periods (Cycle 1: 2882.2 ± 75.1, Con‐Sed; 2916.1 ± 67.1, Con‐Ex; 2692.2 ± 58.7, Cyc‐Sed; and 2780.5 ± 52.4 kcal, Cyc‐Ex) (Cycle 2: 2815.8 ± 75.1, Con‐Sed; 2938.8 ± 49.4, Con‐Ex; 2577.1 ± 60.5, Cyc‐Sed; and 2643.5 ± 65.9 kcal, Cyc‐Ex). Relative fat intake (percentage of total kcal/week) was significantly less for Con‐Ex and Cyc‐Ex than Con‐Sed and Cyc‐Sed throughout both refeeding periods. Discussion: Weight cycling failed to produce significant sustained effects on SBP, body mass, or food intake. Exercise training, irrespective of diet, lowered dietary fat intake.