Obesity is part of our nutritional landscape both as a national problem and as an international concern. This summer issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition addresses some of the approaches currently being examined to slow the incidence of obesity in various populations. Pilot studies and practice projects provide new strategies for helping us understand the complex social, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with overweight and obesity.
Byrd-Bredbenner and Abbot examine the food choice influencers of 201 mothers of young children through an online survey. Mothers valued health but were less confident in their ability to prepare a healthy diet consistently. On the basis of their survey, they concluded that targeted nutrition education messages could assist in helping alter food-related decision influences.
Global obesity is a concept of concern by healthcare practitioners including dietitians. Several solutions have been proposed, and this article addresses the scope, consequences, and proposed etiologies of the increasing incidence of obesity around the world. Harris summarizes the issues related to global obesity and its implications for dietitians and the practice of dietetics.
Heiss et al compare the effect of small food and fluid loads on body composition. Three different methods of measuring body composition were used: bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and air displacement plethysonography. The body composition of 32 participants was measured before Gatorade or cereal with milk and after Gatorade or cereal with milk consumption. They found no significant differences in the percentage of body fat from the 3 methods before or after the food or fluid loads.
Holmstrup et al look at the factors surrounding caloric estimates of food and beverage items. Fifty-six participants volunteered to determine calories on the basis of their estimates of small versus large portions and "healthy versus unhealthy" foods and beverages. The authors found several inaccuracies\vadjust in the estimations of the subgroups. The findings warrant further investigation in a well-defined study with a larger sample.
Touger-Decker et al report the outcomes of a 12-week wellness program in an academic health sciences university. The program was assessed on the basis of weight loss and improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, selected anthropometric measures, and lifestyle habits. They found significant changes in outcome measures and support for the implementation of a worksite wellness intervention program.
Spellman et al examine the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of registered dietitians related to omega-3 fatty acids and premenstrual syndrome. The cross-sectional study included 165 dietitians. The findings indicated a strong trend toward sufficient knowledge about omega-3 fatty acids and less knowledge about the relationships of omega-3 fatty acids with heart disease and premenstrual syndrome.
Karpinski and Touger-Decker review the evidence related to antioxidants and asthma and a case report of an asthma patient taking antioxidants. On the basis of the evidence, future research in this area should focus on the mechanism influencing the protective effect of antioxidants and the impact of diet versus supplements in asthma management.
Benson-Davies provides a case study on the nutritional complications of a patient (abcessed anastomosis) associated with gastric bypass reconstruction. The case study supports the importance of team care and focuses on appropriate medical and nutritional interventions.
A book review by Andrea Berez of The Parent's Guide to Eating Disorders rounds out this issue. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to Topics in Clinical Nutrition. Please let us know if you want to be an author or a reviewer for future issues.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RD, FADA
Editor