Behaviour Modification (behaviour + modification)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Obesity: the science behind the management

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 5-6 2002
K. Steinbeck
Abstract The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Western and Westernizing countries. The changing environment plays a major role in this increase, particularly the reduction in physical activity. There is also a strong genetic contribution to the development of obesity, although single-gene defect obesity is rare. Neither the environment nor genes is simple to modify. Obesity is an energy-balance disorder, and the human body has evolved to resist any loss of body fat. This biological drive to maintain weight is coordinated through central pathways, with the involvement of many neuropeptides. Thus, dietary restriction will induce changes designed to counter weight loss, including a fall in resting metabolic rate. The management of obesity demands reasonable goals, which focus on metabolic, rather than cosmetic, improvement. As obesity is a complex condition, multiple therapeutic strategies are required. Dietary modification, an increase in physical activity, a reduction in sedentary activity and behaviour modification all form the basis of obesity therapy. Drug therapy options at present are limited and may have a stronger role in weight maintenance. Currently, surgical management of obesity has the best long-term outcomes. Long-term maintenance of weight loss is achieved by few individuals. Those individuals who are successful are able to maintain long-term restrictive eating habits and high levels of physical activity. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 237,241) [source]


The Effect of an Attachment-Based Behaviour Therapy for Children with Visual and Severe Intellectual Disabilities

JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 2 2008
P. S. Sterkenburg
Background, A combination of an attachment-based therapy and behaviour modification was investigated for children with persistent challenging behaviour. Method, Six clients with visual and severe intellectual disabilities, severe challenging behaviour and with a background of pathogenic care were treated. Challenging behaviour was recorded continuously in the residential home and during therapy sessions. Alternating treatments were given by two therapists. In phase 1, the experimental therapist attempted to build an attachment relationship in sessions alternating with sessions in which a control therapist provided positive attention only. In phase 2, both therapists applied the same behaviour modification protocol. Results, Across clients, challenging behaviour in the residential home decreased during the attachment therapy phase. The behaviour modification sessions conducted by the experimental therapist resulted in significantly more adaptive target behaviour than the sessions with the control therapist. Conclusion, For these clients with a background of attachment problems, attachment-based behaviour modification treatment may have important advantages over standard behaviour modification. [source]


What interventions should we add to weight reducing diets in adults with obesity?

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2004
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of adding drug therapy, behaviour therapy or combinations of these interventions, exercise
Abstract Background, Evidence is needed for the effectiveness of interventions given with reducing diets for obese adults: drug therapy, exercise, or behaviour therapy. Methods, We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials in any language. We searched 13 databases and handsearched journals. Trials lasted 1 year or more. One investigator extracted data and a second checked data extraction. Trial quality was assessed. Results, Adding orlistat to diet was associated with weight change for up to 24 months (,3.26 kg, 95% CI, ,4.15 to ,2.37 kg), and statistically significant beneficial changes were found for total and LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and glycaemic control. Adding sibutramine to diet was associated with a 12 month weight change of ,4.18 kg (95% CI, ,5.14 to ,3.21 kg), and statistically significant beneficial effects on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (TGs), but an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Adding exercise to diet, or to diet and behaviour therapy, was associated with improved weight loss for up to 36 months and improvements in HDL, TGs and blood pressure. Adding behaviour therapy to diet, or to diet and sibutramine together, was associated with improved weight loss for up to 18 months. Adding drugs, exercise or behaviour therapy to dietary advice was each associated with similar weight change. Conclusions, Adding orlistat, sibutramine, exercise, or behaviour modification to dietary advice can improve long-term weight loss. [source]


Body mass index in adults with intellectual disability: distribution, associations and service implications: a population-based prevalence study

JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
S. Bhaumik
Abstract Background Previous studies of weight problems in adults with intellectual disability (ID) have generally been small or selective and given conflicting results. The objectives of our large-scale study were to identify inequalities in weight problems between adults with ID and the general adult population, and to investigate factors associated with obesity and underweight within the ID population. Methods We undertook a population-based prevalence study of 1119 adults with ID aged 20 and over on the Leicestershire Learning Disability Register who participated in a programme of universal health checks and home interviews with their carers. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the register data and compared the observed and expected prevalences of body mass index categories in the ID and general populations using indirect standardisation for age. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of a range of probable demographic, physical, mental and skills attributes with obesity and underweight. Results In those aged 25 and over, the standardised morbidity ratio (SMR) for obesity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.64,1.00) in men and 1.48 (95% CI 1.23,1.77) in women. The SMR for underweight was 8.44 (95% CI 6.52,10.82) in men and 2.35 (95% CI 1.72,3.19) in women. Among those aged 20 and over, crude prevalences were 20.7% for obesity, 28.0% for overweight, 32.7% for normal weight and 18.6% for underweight. Obesity was associated with living independently/with family, ability to feed/drink unaided, being female, hypertension, Down syndrome and the absence of cerebral palsy. Underweight was associated with younger age, absence of Down syndrome and not taking medication. Conclusion Obesity in women and underweight in both men and women was more common in adults with ID than in the general population after controlling for differences in the age distributions between the two populations. The associated factors suggest opportunities for targeting high-risk groups within the ID population for lifestyle and behaviour modification. [source]


Health behaviours of young, rural residents: A case study

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2009
Lisa Bourke
Abstract Objective:,To analyse self-reported health behaviours of young people from a rural community and the factors influencing their behaviours. Methods:,Interviews were conducted with 19 young people, 11 parents and 10 key informants from a small rural Victorian community, asking about teenage health behaviours and the factors influencing these behaviours. Results:,Young people ate both healthy and unhealthy foods, most participated in physical activity, few smoked and most drank alcohol. The study found that community level factors, including community norms, peers, access issues and geographic isolation, were particularly powerful in shaping health behaviours, especially alcohol consumption. Smoking was influenced by social participation in the community and national media health campaigns. Diet and exercise behaviour were influenced by access and availability, convenience, family, peers and local and non-local cultural influences. Conclusion and implications:,The rural context, including less access to and choice of facilities and services, lower incomes, lack of transport and local social patterns (including community norms and acceptance), impact significantly on young people's health behaviours. Although national health promotion campaigns are useful aspects of behaviour modification, much greater focus on the role and importance of the local contexts in shaping health decisions of young rural people is required. [source]