1.
The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on body weight and food consumption in obese adults: A randomized controlled study.
Kim, SH, Chung, JH, Kim, TH, Lim, SH, Kim, Y, Eun, YM, Lee, YA
Brain stimulation. 2019;(6):1556-1564
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some studies have reported significant reductions in food cravings following the single-session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), there is little research on the effects of multi-session of rTMS on food consumption and body weight in obese subjects. OBJECTIVE We conducted 4-week randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial to examine the effect of rTMS on body weight in obese adults. METHODS Forty-three obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) aged between 18 and 70 years were randomized to the sham or real treatment group (21 in the TMS group and 22 in the sham treatment group). A total of 8 sessions of rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was provided over a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was weight change in kilograms from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in anthropometric measures, cardiovascular risk factors, food intake, and appetite. RESULTS Participants in the rTMS group showed significantly greater weight loss from baseline following the 8 session of rTMS (-2.75 ± 2.37 kg vs. 0.38 ± 1.0 kg, p < 0.01). Consistent with weight loss, there was a significant reduction in fat mass and visceral adipose tissue at week 4 in the rTMS group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). After the 8 sessions of rTMS, the TMS group consumed fewer total kilocalories and carbohydrates per day than the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS 8 sessions of HF rTMS delivered to the left DLPFC were effective in inducing weight loss and decreasing food intake in obese patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial registered with the Clinical Trials Registry at http://cris.cdc.go.kr (KCT0002548).
2.
Taking Stock of Dietary Supplements' Harmful Effects on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults.
Or, F, Kim, Y, Simms, J, Austin, SB
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. 2019;(4):455-461
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between supplement categories and adverse events in children, adolescents, and young adults. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study using adverse event reports between January 2004 and April 2015 in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System on food and dietary supplements database. We quantified the relative risks for severe medical events of dietary supplements sold for various functions relative to vitamins among individuals aged between 0 and 25 years. Severe medical events include death, disability, life-threatening events, hospitalization, emergency room visit, and/or required intervention to prevent permanent disability. RESULTS There were 977 single-supplement-related adverse event reports affecting individuals aged between 0 and 25 years over 11 years (50.6% female; age: mean = 16.5 years, standard deviation = 7.5 years). Supplements sold for muscle building (risk ratio [RR] = 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-4.0), energy (RR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.9-3.6), and weight loss (RR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.9-3.4) were associated with almost three times the risk for severe medical events compared with vitamins. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and energy involved increased risks for severe medical events compared with vitamins. Proactive enforcement of regulations is needed to reduce access and consumption among children, adolescents, and young adults.
3.
Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome Components Focusing on Weight Loss: A Preliminary Study.
Toro-Ramos, T, Lee, DH, Kim, Y, Michaelides, A, Oh, TJ, Kim, KM, Jang, HC, Lim, S
Metabolic syndrome and related disorders. 2017;(9):465-473
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are inconsistent results for the effectiveness of using smartphone applications (apps) or websites on weight loss. We investigated the efficacy of a smartphone intervention using a designated app that utilizes a lifestyle intervention-focused approach, including a human coaching element, toward weight loss in overweight or obese Korean adults. METHODS One hundred four adults aged 20-60 years with a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, who signed up for a smartphone program for weight loss (using the Noom app), were recruited. Participants received an in-person orientation about the study and app use, and a baseline blood sample was obtained. The in-app intervention with daily behavior and nutrition education content and coaching lasted 15 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was a change in weight. The secondary endpoints were changes in metabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, waist circumference, and glucose and lipid profiles. Body composition changes were also assessed, and body weight at 52 weeks was measured to ascertain long-term effects. RESULTS Participants showed a clinically significant weight loss effect of -7.5% at the end of the 15-week program (P < 0.001), and at a 52-week follow-up, a weight loss effect of -5.2% was maintained. At 15 weeks, percent body fat and visceral fat decreased by -6.0 ± 5.4% and -3.4 ± 2.7 kg, respectively (both P < 0.001). Fasting glucose level also decreased significantly by -5.7 ± 14.6 mg/dL at 15 weeks. Lipid parameters showed significant improvements, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The frequency of logging meals and exercise was associated with body fat loss. CONCLUSIONS This advanced smartphone app was a useful tool to maintain weight loss in overweight or obese people.