published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Long-term, high protein diets at 35% of energy may have implications in bone biology. The objective of this study was to comprehensively examine whether a high mixed protein diet at the 35% energy level can be deemed safe with respect to long-term bone health. Eighty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive 4, 8, 12, or 17 months of a control (15% of energy as protein) or the high protein diet (35% of energy). Statistical analyses of biochemical, biomechanical, morphological, microarchitectural, and densitometric examinations using a 2-way factorial ANOVA with interaction revealed that elevated protein consumption had no negative consequences to bone health. High protein fed rats had increased lean body mass and decreased body weight and body fat. Thus preliminary results suggest that protein consumption at 35% of energy has a positive effect on body weight and does not hinder the mechanical abilities of bone.

The objective of this thesis was to examine age-related changes in weight and body composition as they relate to health in older adults. This thesis was completed in manuscript format and consists of two studies, both of which are based on the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) cohort. The CHS is a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling older (≥65 years) men and women who were followed for 8 years. The first manuscript examined whether physical activity (PA) attenuates age-related weight loss in the elderly. Mixed modeling procedures were employed to create body weight trajectory curves for the 8 year follow-up period according to physical activity level in a sample of 4512 CHS participants. Body weight declined over the follow-up period in all physical activity groups, with an accelerated weight loss occurring in the final years of follow-up. Over the 8 year follow-up, body weight was reduced by 2.72 kg in the least active PA quartile. Compared to the least active quartile, weight loss was attenuated by 0.55 kg (20%), 0.80 kg (29%), and 0.69 kg (25%) within the second through fourth physical activity quartiles. Therefore, participation in modest amounts of PA attenuated age-related weight loss by approximately 25%. The second manuscript examined whether sarcopenic-obesity is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than either sarcopenia or obesity alone, and whether muscle mass or strength is a stronger marker of CVD risk. CHS participants who were free of CVD at baseline (n=3400) were classified as normal, sarcopenic, obese, or sarcopenic-obese based on measures of waist circumference and either muscle mass or strength. Participants were followed for CVD development over 8 years and proportional hazard regression models were used to compare risk estimates for CVD after adjustment for covariates. When based on measures of waist circumference and muscle mass, CVD risk was not increased in sarcopenic, obese, or sarcopenic-obese groups in comparison to the group with a normal body composition. When categorized based on waist circumference and muscle strength, CVD risk was significantly increased (by 38%) in the sarcopenic-obese group but not in either the sarcopenic or obese groups. Thus, sarcopenic-obesity, based on muscle strength, was associated with increased CVD risk implying that strength is more important than muscle mass for cardiovascular health in old age. In summary, the findings of this thesis support the continuation of public health efforts to promote regular PA and balanced nutrition to assist with maintenance of optimal body composition and weight through adulthood and into old age. / Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2008-05-30 11:56:03.775

This study examined the effects of early nutrition or, the body weight and adipose tissue characteristics of Sprague-Dawley rats. Different levels of caloric intake during the pre-weaning phase were achieved by manipulation of litter size. Immediately after birth, pups were redistributed into large (15-18 pups), control (1O pups), or small (4 pups) litters. Males from small litters demonstrated an increase in body weight and adipocyte, number (K.05), but this difference was not seen in the females. Litter size had no effect on adipc"cyte size or percent body fat. The effect of caloric restriction during the post-weaning phase was also examined. This was done by pair-feeding one-half of the rats raised in small litters to those raised in large litters for a period of 5 weeks. After ad libitum feeding was resumed, the pair-fed group demonstrated an increase "in adipocyte size which resulted in an increased level of fatness W.05). The results of this experiment demonstrate that the consequences of early nutrition are dependent on when it is undertaken, and suggest that sex hormones are involved in modulating these effects.

The purpose of this thesis was to determine relationships among dieting behaviors, stress, weight status, and weight perceptions in college undergraduate females. Individuals who were overweight/obese reported significantly higher eating in response to emotions and stress as well as reduced ability to change a situation, manage one’s emotional reaction, or cope effectively than their underweight/normal weight peers. Also, those who were overweight/obese used significantly more total methods for weight loss. Individuals who were more likely to use food to cope also used a higher number of restraint methods of dieting as well as non-diet methods than those who were less likely to use food to cope. Perceived healthy and perceived attractive weight, as percents of current weight, were significantly lower for overweight/obese individuals than for those who were underweight/normal weight. Results from this study illustrate that weight status is associated with dieting behaviors, emotional eating, and weight perceptions. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Weight and body image are issues many females face that can lead to unhealthy exercising and extreme dieting. This paper examines the relationship between perceptions of mothers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding weight and body image and their 18-25 year old daughters’ attitudes and behaviors. This research utilizes a survey of 876 females at a Midwestern university. Respondents report being at least somewhat uncomfortable with their weight and report a lack of confidence with their weight. Regression results indicate that females’ attitudes and behaviors are somewhat explained by perceptions of their mothers’ attitudes and behaviors. Mothers making negative comments about their own weight, mothers telling their daughters to lose weight and mothers’ weight loss behaviors significantly influence respondents’ weight satisfaction, self-esteem, weight loss and weight control behaviors. This research identifies factors contributing to unhealthy eating behaviors and poor body image, and suggests how mothers can help improve their daughters’ body image. / Department of Sociology

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Dept. of Psychology. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2006. / "A dissertation in psychology." Advisor: Christopher Keith Haddock. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed Oct. 31, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-66). Online version of the print edition.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol inst., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco Bay, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-84).