This issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition provides a collection of articles related to nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) training, the identification of malnutrition, the relationship among hedonic hunger, physical activity, and depression, as well as 3 articles addressing various factors that impact weight loss.
Tomesko et al conducted a pilot study introducing a hybrid training program to dietitians on NFPE knowledge and practice in Malaysia. NFPE knowledge scores increased significantly, and dietitians were found to perform NFPE tasks significantly more frequently posttraining, indicating the success of the hybrid training program.
Chughtai et al examined the prevalence and factors associated with hospital malnutrition in adults in Lahore, Pakistan. A sample of 937 patients was screened for malnutrition with the Subjective Global Assessment. The majority of patients were found to be undernourished, and a quarter of whom were found to be severely malnourished. Age more than 60 years, comorbidities, and the presence of cancer and kidney diseases were found to be associated with undernutrition.
Khaira et al conducted a cross-sectional study of 207 patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Anthropometrics including mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were collected. MUAC was found to be significantly correlated to body mass index (BMI), and an MUAC of 23.4 cm was correlated with a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m2 and identified as a cutoff point for detecting malnutrition in this population.
Uzen Akkaya et al studied the relationship among hedonic hunger, depression, and physical activity in 174 health science students. Although certain gender differences were identified, specifically that females were found to have significantly more food available in their environments and males had significantly higher physical activity levels, no strong relationship among hedonic hunger, physical activity, and depression was found.
Kittana et al surveyed 100 patients post-bariatric surgery to identify factors impacting weight loss. A greater total weight loss percent was significantly associated with exercise, preoperative BMI, location, and dairy intake. Other factors that were associated with greater total weight loss percent, although not statistically significant, included increased whole grain bread and vegetable intake and decreased white bread, processed meat, fast food, and sweetened beverage intake.
Sylvestre et al from Rutgers University conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person care in patients post-bariatric surgery. Three relevant articles highlighted that telehealth appears to be as effective as in-person care in achieving significant weight loss post-bariatric surgery.
O'Boyle and Davidson conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile technology (mHealth) versus Web-based technology (eHealth) in weight loss. Fourteen studies were identified and demonstrated that both mHealth and eHealth were positively associated with weight loss success and could provide additional clinician feedback with added support.
Thank you for your support of Topics in Clinical Nutrition. A special thank you to our reviewers who have generously offered their time and expertise to ensure we can continue to provide a high-quality, practice-based publication. We are recognizing these outstanding individuals in our "Thanks to the Reviewers" section.
-Kelly Kane, MS, RD, CNSC
Editor, Topics in Clinical Nutrition