Influence of Aerobic Training and Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle Inflammatory Markers and Muscle...
Overweight and ObesityInflammation; Muscle1 moreIt is estimated that 15% of adults aged 60-70 years, and up to 50% of adults aged 80 years and older are affected by sarcopenia-the age related loss of muscle mass and function. A disruption of the homeostatic balance between periods of muscle protein breakdown (predominant during fasting) and muscle protein synthesis (predominant following nutrient ingestion) can result in the loss of muscle mass over time. In particular, research suggests that an inability of muscle to fully respond to the anabolic influence of nutrient intake may contribute significantly to age-related muscle loss. This anabolic resistance is likely influenced by increased age-related inflammation. There is evidence in cell line and animal models that increased levels of the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) impairs the molecular pathways that initiate muscle protein synthesis (i.e. mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR signaling), and can accelerate muscle protein breakdown. Obesity, and sedentary lifestyle have been linked to increased TNFα expression, and thus may partially explain impaired muscle protein balance in older adults. The objectives of this clinical trial are to 1) determine if lifestyle modification via weight loss and aerobic exercise can reduce skeletal muscle inflammation and subsequently improve nutrient-stimulated muscle protein synthesis in previously sedentary, obese older adults; and 2) expose undergraduate Kinesiology and Nutrition majors to meritorious research. The investigators have recently published data with undergraduate researchers showing that body composition is associated with elevated skeletal muscle expression of TNFα converting enzyme (TACE). One of the primary actions of TACE is to cleave membrane bound TNFα (mTNFα) to soluble TNFα (sTNFα)-a more mature and bioactive form of TNFα. Both TACE and sTNFα are known to be elevated in a number of clinical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. Based on these data, the investigators feel that TACE may represent an important and potentially modifiable (via weight loss and aerobic conditioning) regulator of skeletal muscle inflammation in humans. There are currently no data on the associations among skeletal muscle expression of TACE, TNFα, and muscle protein balance. Thus, the focus of this study is to determine if 5-10% diet-induced weight loss and 6-months (3 days per week) of aerobic exercise training can influence: 1) TACE and TNFα expression in skeletal muscle; and 2) improve molecular indices of muscle protein breakdown and nutrient-stimulated muscle protein synthesis (mTOR signaling) in sedentary, obese older adults. Specifically, 60 sedentary, obese older adults will be randomized to one of the following groups: 1) control group (CON), 2) a diet-induced weight loss group (DIET), 3) an aerobic exercise training group (EX), or 4) a diet-induced weight loss + aerobic exercise training group (DIET + EX). The results of this study will advance the understanding of the connections among skeletal muscle inflammation and muscle protein balance in older adults, and validate TACE as a potentially modifiable target for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and other age-related inflammatory diseases, which will contribute to the development of practice-based guidelines for healthcare practitioners.
ADIposity and Bone Metabolism: Effects of eXercise-induced Weight Loss in Obese Adolescents
ObesityThe present protocol is mainly involved in the understanding of the local interaction between the released products by fat tissue and hormones production of bone tissue. These complex interactions between adipocyte and osteocyte activities could explain the mechanisms of the body responses to the strategies of weight loss that include diet and/or physical activity program, as well as the side effects encountered by these interventions. Adolescence is a period of development characterized by many metabolic and somatic changes that may influence weight. Weights bearing physical activities are a key factor allowing body composition changes (i.e. fat and bone tissue). The difficulties of managing weight and the onset of overweight and obesity during this very important growth spurt lead to various hormonal dysregulation. The specific mechanisms of the evolution and interactions between these two parameters (fat and bone tissue) are not yet elucidated; therefore our aim is to analyze the possible connections between fat tissue and the quality of the skeleton in order to reduce related risks of the consequence of weight loss in obese individuals.
Behavioral Weight Loss and Exercise After Treatment (BEAT)
Breast CancerOverweight and physically inactive breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Cancer treatment-related changes that likely mediate weight loss and exercise success include the long term effects such as fatigue, psychological distress and impaired executive (cognitive) function. This study will explore the variability in how breast cancer survivors respond to a behavioral weight loss intervention. The primary objectives include determining the degree to which success with a behavioral weight loss intervention in overweight breast cancer survivors is explained by measures of executive function as measured with task performance at 6 and 12 months and associated brain function imaging (fMRI), collected at baseline only.Additionally, the study is designed to determine the degree to which selected measures of cancer-related symptoms account for variance in the success of breast cancer survivors at 6 and 12 months following entry into a behavioral weight loss and exercise intervention.
An Internet-based Weight Loss and Exercise Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast CancerThe purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a behavioral weight loss and exercise intervention delivered via the internet at different cancer centers in New England. The investigators hypothesize that participants will lose 7% of their body weight. The research is being done because many women who are treated for breast cancer are overweight and treatment for breast cancer is often accompanied by weight gain. Individuals who are overweight may be more likely to have their breast cancer come back. Also women who exercise at least three hours a week seem to have less chance of their cancer coming back. The investigators hope to identify an effective weight loss and exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors that can be easily accessed by many people. This study is designed to determine the feasibility of conducting a distantly delivered-weight loss and exercise intervention for patients who have been treated for breast cancer at three cancer centers, and to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based behavioral weight loss and exercise intervention delivered to overweight/obese breast cancer survivors in three New England locations. Participants will be recruited from three New England Cancer Centers - the Vermont Cancer Center, Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth University and the University of Massachusetts Cancer Center. Participants from each center will undergo baseline assessments that include diet assessment, body measurements (height, weight, etc), a physical activity assessment and be asked to complete a series of questionnaires. Patients that meet the minimum requirements will be enrolled on the study. They will participate in weekly on-line "chats" about behavioral and diet modifications led by a qualified facilitator. Participants will also engage in increasing amounts of aerobic activity (typically walking) throughout the course of the intervention. The intervention lasts 6 months. At the end of those 6 months, participants will have the same assessments that were collected at baseline. Following the collection of those assessments, participants will have completed the study.
Mechanisms of Diabetes Control After Weight Loss Surgery, Sub-study #1
Gastric Bypass SurgeryGastric Banding1 moreGastric bypass (GBP) and laparoscopic adjustable banding (AGB) are common procedures that can result in significant weight loss and significantly improve type 2 diabetes in 40-80% of cases. The mechanism and time course of these changes have not been well studied and are poorly understood. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the potential weight-independent mechanisms of diabetes remission after GBP, by comparing GBP and AGB subjects after similar weight loss.
Examination of Cognitive Function in Obesity and Following Weight Loss
ObesityBariatric Surgery Candidate1 moreBariatric surgery is the most effective, long-term treatment for morbid obesity, and consistent with previous findings, individuals who lose significant weight after surgery also have improved cognition or "brain function". The mechanisms behind these cognitive improvements are currently unknown, but are the focus of much research effort. The goal of this pilot study is to thoroughly describe these changes in surgical versus medical weight loss patients over time in a repeated measures fashion.
Cost-effectiveness Study of a Multidisciplinary Weight Loss Method to Improve the Health Condition...
ObesityObeseProspective, observational, multicenter study based on a registry of patients with obesity and associated comorbidities undergoing a standardized multidisciplinary weight loss method with a 2-year follow-up.
Effects of Weight Loss From Bariatric Surgery on Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Intraocular PressureThe purpose of this study is to determine if there is an effect on the eye pressure from extreme weight loss by bariatric procedures. The hypothesis is that excess fat in the orbit of the eye compresses on the outflow system, which causes an elevated eye pressure. This can have many consequences, including the risk for glaucoma. We hope to establish if there is an effect between eye pressure and weight.
Risk Management Plan (RMP) Survey for Purchasers of Alli® (60 mg Orlistat) in the European Union....
Weight LossFollowing results from the first survey that forms part of the EU RMP for Alli® (RMP survey 1; WEUSRTP3350), several amendments to the information included on the pack carton for Alli® (orlistat 60 mg) were recommended. The main finding from RMP survey 1 was that a large proportion of Alli® users had a body mass index (BMI) less than (<)28 kg/m2 . (Note: the European indication for Alli® is adults 18 years and older with a BMI<28 kg/m2.) The proportion of respondents overall who reported possible contraindications to Alli® use was relatively low. The following changes to the pack labeling were agreed and have been implemented: : (1) a statement, highlighting the product is only for those with a BMI of 28 or above was added to the front of the pack; (2) wording of the BMI statement on the back of the pack was strengthened; (3) contraindications were highlighted in bold text; (4) the statement that Alli® is not for use by those under 18 years of age was modified for clarity. In addition, a pharmacy reminder card was made available to retail pharmacists to improve awareness of the prescribing information for Alli®. The survey will assess whether compliance with the authorized indication and contraindications among purchasers of Alli® has been improved after one year of marketing the revised pack labeling.
Effects of Behavioral Interventions on Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
BehaviorThe objective of the study is to examine the extent to which diet/lifestyle change programs with a multidisciplinary team (consisting of a dietician, physician and behaviorist/health coach) that develop healthy behaviors before creating a calorie deficit for weight loss will result in greater weight loss and a longer duration of weight maintenance. It intends to compare the extent of weight loss and weight maintenance in participants who will undergo calorie restriction without prior behavioral interventions to participants that will undergo behavioral interventions prior to starting calorie restriction.