Displaying all 12 publications

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  1. Lua PL, Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F
    J Evid Based Integr Med, 2021 9 10;26:2515690X211043738.
    PMID: 34496677 DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211043738
    Despite various strategies, overweight and obesity problems are still increasingly prevalent worldwide with serious health outcomes. Consequently, the continuous demand for more effective, safe and acceptable therapies for reducing body weight is also escalating-including complementary and alternative therapies (CATs). The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most commonly- and recently-used CATs, with evaluation of their safety and efficacy for weight loss. Electronic scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed and EBSCO Host were explored for articles that reported CATs for overweight and obesity treatment from 2015 to December 2019. Only systematic reviews, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were included. Studies whereby CATs were not utilized for reducing body weight were excluded. Eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses and 11 additional RCTs with 765 participants (50.2% overweight and 49.8% obese) related to hypnotherapy, acupuncture and dietary supplements met the inclusion criteria. Their results suggested that spirulina, chitosan, probiotic, EPA + DHA, vitamin D, fiber, and herbal extract supplementation may all provide small reductions in body weight (ranging from 1-10 kg). Interestingly, hypnotherapy and acupuncture reported significantly greater reduction in body weight compared with placebo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Nonetheless, the evidence is still relatively limited and not encouraging to provide a definitive conclusion due to the methodological shortcomings and the presence of adverse events in chitosan and fiber supplementation. Hence, studies of this nature need to be further replicated and improved to corroborate the efficacy and safety of the CATs to combat weight issues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy
  2. Verma RK, Chong WW, Taha NA, Paraidathathu T
    Front Public Health, 2021;9:720939.
    PMID: 34540790 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.720939
    Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational training program on the knowledge, attitude and perceived barriers of community pharmacists (CPs) towards obesity and overweight management. Methods: This interventional study, which consisted of an educational training program, was conducted on a single cohort of Malaysian CPs. Thirty CPs attended the educational training program. The educational training program was delivered through didactic lectures, case studies and small group discussions, and consisted of various sessions covering different topics related to weight management. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the intervention on the CPs' knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers. Results: The overall mean knowledge score increased both immediately after (14.93 ± 1.62) and 30 days following the intervention (17.04 ± 2.51), and the increment was statistically significant 30 days following the intervention (p = 0.001) compared to both pre-intervention and immediate-post intervention stages. After the intervention, the participants had a more positive attitude towards the provision of weight management service (WMS) in community pharmacies. They had significantly stronger perceptions about the importance of their role to manage overweight and obesity and their professional competence to treat obese patients. In addition, the barrier of not having space in pharmacy to perform proper counselling for weight management and the barrier of not having training sessions in the area of obesity management were perceived to be significantly less important post-intervention. Conclusion: This study showed the potential positive impact of an educational training program on CPs knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers towards WMS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy
  3. Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F, Lua PL
    J Complement Integr Med, 2021 Apr 02;18(3):561-568.
    PMID: 33794082 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0177
    OBJECTIVES: The global epidemic of overweight and obesity presents a major challenge in the health status of the society. Their prevalence is at an alarming rate worldwide due to poor compliance with conventional treatment and high rates of relapse, thus increasing demand for an effective and safe alternative approach such as hypnotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy for weight loss and to compare these among selected socio-demographics.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 students and staff of a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia using convenience sampling. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 23.0.

    RESULTS: Among the respondents (age = 26.17 ± 8.23 years; female = 66.7%; students = 63.3%), 40.0% were overweight and 60.0% were obese. Results indicated excellent feasibility as determined by participants' satisfaction towards the clarity of hypnotherapist's voice (93.3%), the suitability of content (86.7%) and time spent for the session (90.0%). Good overall acceptability (>60.0%) was also reported regarding hypnotherapist professionalism, the environment and perceived usefulness of hypnotherapy. Obese individuals were significantly more satisfied towards the hypnotherapist environment than overweight respondents (p=0.015). Additionally, no adverse effects were reported after the intervention.

    CONCLUSIONS: This evidence signalled that hypnotherapy is a promising alternative tool in assisting overweight and obese individuals to lose weight. Extensive research is needed to substantiate its role in weight management programs for its full benefits.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy
  4. Ng LW, Malhotra R, Lai D, Tai ES, Østbye T
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP552-61.
    PMID: 23482708 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513479966
    To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  5. Nik Yahya NSR, Jamaludin FIC, Firdaus MKZH, Che Hasan MK
    Enferm Clin, 2019 09;29 Suppl 2:521-527.
    PMID: 31281005 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.079
    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of simulation-based exercise programme among overweight adult in higher learning institutes.

    METHOD: A quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted recruiting students from two different higher learning institutions in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Students are selected after fulfilling the criteria such as body mass index (BMI) of ≥23kg/m2, no chronic diseases that may influence by exercise, no significant changes in body weight within two months and not taking any medications or supplements. One institution was purposely chosen as a simulation-based group and another one control group. In the simulation-based group, participants were given a booklet and CD to do aerobic and resistance exercise for a minimum of 25min per day, three times a week for 10 weeks. No exercise was given to the control group. Participants were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), BMI, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage before and after 10 weeks of simulation-based exercise.

    RESULTS: A total of 52 (control: 25, simulation-based: 27) participants involved in the study. There was no baseline characteristics difference between the two groups (p>0.005). All 27 participants in the simulation-based group reported performing the exercise based on the recommendation. The retention rate at three months was 100%. No adverse events were reported throughout the study. Better outcomes (p<0.001) were reported among participants in the simulation-based group for BMI, WC and body fat percentage.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the simulation-based exercise programme may be feasible for an overweight adult in higher learning institutes. As a feasibility study this is not powered to detect significant differences on the outcomes. However, participants reported positive views towards the recommended exercise with significant improvements in body mass index, body fat percentage and reduced the waist circumference.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  6. Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F, Hassan H, et al.
    J Integr Med, 2021 Jan;19(1):1-5.
    PMID: 33162374 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2020.10.006
    Obesity and overweight problems are serious global health issues today and despite many efforts, the prevalence has continued to rise for decades. Interestingly, hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as an effective treatment for obesity and overweight problems. This review compiles contemporary scientific research on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for weight reduction. Scopus, PubMed and EBSCO Host databases were applied in the study. The search identified 119 articles, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. A total of 539 respondents (82.7% women and 17.3% men) between the ages of 17 and 67 years were represented in the seven studies. Most studies incorporated lifestyle changes, such as changes of dietary habit and behavioral recommendations in the hypnotic procedure. Their results suggested that the use of hypnotherapy not only promoted weight reduction during the treatment period but also after treatment cessation, and in some cases, one to ten kilograms were lost during follow-up periods. In addition, one study even showed increased physical activity among the hypnotised individuals. This use of hypnotherapy also improved respondents' eating behavior and quality of life. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to several methodological flaws and the limited number of published studies in this area. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for this modern-day health problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  7. Saad MF, Cheah WL, Hazmi H
    J Prev Med Public Health, 2021 May;54(3):199-207.
    PMID: 34092066 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.20.584
    OBJECTIVES: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading global risk factor for mortality, followed by obesity. The combination of these risk factors is associated with non-communicable diseases, impaired physical function, and declining mental function. The World Health Organization recommends physical activity to reduce the mortality rate. Thus, this study examined the effects on anthropometric measurements of a 12-week walking program for elderly people in Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia with a 7000-step goal and weekly group walking activities.

    METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 109 elderly people with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m2. BMI, body composition, and average daily steps were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and repeated-measures analysis of variance with the paired t-test for post-hoc analysis was conducted.

    RESULTS: In total, 48 participants in the intervention group and 61 participants in the control group completed the study. A significant interaction was found between time and group. The post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention (within the intervention group). The post-intervention analysis revealed an increase in the mean number of daily steps by 3571.59, with decreases in body weight (-2.20 kg), BMI (-0.94 kg/m2), body fat percentage (-3.52%), visceral fat percentage (-1.29%) and waist circumference (-2.91 cm). Skeletal muscle percentage also showed a significant increase (1.67%).

    CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week walking program combining a 7000-step goals with weekly group walking activities had a significant effect on the anthropometric measurements of previously inactive and overweight/obese elderly people.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  8. Jamal SN, Moy FM, Azmi Mohamed MN, Mukhtar F
    PLoS One, 2016;11(8):e0160343.
    PMID: 27537687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160343
    BACKGROUND: There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities over the past decades in Malaysia. Effective intervention for obesity remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a group based lifestyle modification programme amongst obese individuals with an existing dietary counseling programme.

    METHODS: We recruited one hundred and ninety four overweight and obese (BMI>27.5 kg/m2) employees from a local university. They were randomly allocated to either Group Support Lifestyle Modification (GSLiM) (intervention)(n = 97) or dietary counseling (comparison)(n = 97). The GSLIM activities included self monitoring, cognitive-behaviour sessions, exercise as well as dietary change advocacy, which were conducted through seminars and group sessions over 24 weeks. The comparison group was given dietary counselling once in 12 weeks. Both groups were followed up for additional 12 weeks to check for intervention effect sustenance. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 weeks; while dietary intake, physical activities, psychological measures and quality of life measured at baseline, 24 and 36 weeks. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA repeated measures with intention to treat principle.

    RESULTS: The participants were predominantly women with mean (standard deviation) age of 40.5 (9.3) years. A total of 19.6% of the participants in GSLiM achieved 6% weight loss compared to 4.1% in the comparison group (Risk Ratio 4.75; 95% CI: 1.68, 13.45). At 24 weeks, the retention rate was 83.5% for GSLiM and 82.5% for comparison group. GSLiM participants also achieved significant improvement in total weight self-efficacy score, negative emotions and physical discomfort subscales, MDPSS friend subscale and all domains in quality of life. Participants in the comparison group experienced reduction in negative self-thoughts.

    CONCLUSION: The GSLiM programme proved to be more effective in achieving targeted weight loss, improving weight self-efficacy, friend social support, and quality of life compared to dietary counseling.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT201104056127N1.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy
  9. Gilcharan Singh HK, Chee WSS, Hamdy O, Mechanick JI, Lee VKM, Barua A, et al.
    PLoS One, 2020;15(11):e0242487.
    PMID: 33253259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242487
    OBJECTIVE: Eating self-efficacy behavior is an important predictor of successful lifestyle intervention. This secondary analysis evaluated the changes in eating self-efficacy behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight/obesity following structured lifestyle intervention based on the Malaysian customized transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm (tDNA).

    METHODS: Patients with T2D and overweight/obesity (n = 230) were randomized either into the tDNA group which included a structured low-calorie meal plan using normal foods, incorporation of diabetes-specific meal replacements, and an exercise prescription or usual T2D care (UC) for 6 months. Patients in the tDNA group also received either counseling with motivational interviewing (tDNA-MI) or conventional counseling (tDNA-CC). The UC group received standard dietary and exercise advice using conventional counseling. Eating self-efficacy was assessed using a locally validated Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire. All patients were followed up for additional 6 months' post-intervention.

    RESULTS: There was a significant change in WEL scores with intervention over one-year [Group X Time effect: F = 51.4, df = (3.4, 318.7), p<0.001]. Compared to baseline, WEL scores improved in both the tDNA groups with significantly higher improvement in the tDNA-MI group compared to the tDNA-CC and UC groups at 6 months (tDNA-MI: 25.4±2.1 vs. tDNA-CC: 12.9±2.8 vs. UC: -6.9±1.9, p<0.001). At 12 months' follow-up, both the tDNA groups maintained improvement in the WEL scores, with significantly higher scores in the tDNA-MI group than tDNA-CC group, and the UC group had decreased WEL scores (tDNA-MI: 28.9±3.1 vs. tDNA-CC: 11.6±3.6 vs. UC: -13.2±2.1, p<0.001). Patients in the tDNA-MI group with greater weight loss and hemoglobin A1C reduction also had a higher eating self-efficacy, with a similar trend observed in comparative groups.

    CONCLUSION: Eating self-efficacy improved in patients with T2D and overweight/obesity who maintained their weight loss and glycemic control following a structured lifestyle intervention based on the Malaysian customized tDNA and the improvement was further enhanced with motivational interviewing.

    CLINICAL TRIAL: This randomized clinical trial was registered under National Medical Research Registry, Ministry of Health Malaysia with registration number: NMRR-14-1042-19455 and also under ClinicalTrials.gov with registration number: NCT03881540.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  10. Edinburgh RM, Bradley HE, Abdullah NF, Robinson SL, Chrzanowski-Smith OJ, Walhin JP, et al.
    J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2020 03 01;105(3).
    PMID: 31628477 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz104
    CONTEXT: Pre-exercise nutrient availability alters acute metabolic responses to exercise, which could modulate training responsiveness.

    OBJECTIVE: To assess acute and chronic effects of exercise performed before versus after nutrient ingestion on whole-body and intramuscular lipid utilization and postprandial glucose metabolism.

    DESIGN: (1) Acute, randomized, crossover design (Acute Study); (2) 6-week, randomized, controlled design (Training Study).

    SETTING: General community.

    PARTICIPANTS: Men with overweight/obesity (mean ± standard deviation, body mass index: 30.2 ± 3.5 kg⋅m-2 for Acute Study, 30.9 ± 4.5 kg⋅m-2 for Training Study).

    INTERVENTIONS: Moderate-intensity cycling performed before versus after mixed-macronutrient breakfast (Acute Study) or carbohydrate (Training Study) ingestion.

    RESULTS: Acute Study-exercise before versus after breakfast consumption increased net intramuscular lipid utilization in type I (net change: -3.44 ± 2.63% versus 1.44 ± 4.18% area lipid staining, P < 0.01) and type II fibers (-1.89 ± 2.48% versus 1.83 ± 1.92% area lipid staining, P < 0.05). Training Study-postprandial glycemia was not differentially affected by 6 weeks of exercise training performed before versus after carbohydrate intake (P > 0.05). However, postprandial insulinemia was reduced with exercise training performed before but not after carbohydrate ingestion (P = 0.03). This resulted in increased oral glucose insulin sensitivity (25 ± 38 vs -21 ± 32 mL⋅min-1⋅m-2; P = 0.01), associated with increased lipid utilization during exercise (r = 0.50, P = 0.02). Regular exercise before nutrient provision also augmented remodeling of skeletal muscle phospholipids and protein content of the glucose transport protein GLUT4 (P < 0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: Experiments investigating exercise training and metabolic health should consider nutrient-exercise timing, and exercise performed before versus after nutrient intake (ie, in the fasted state) may exert beneficial effects on lipid utilization and reduce postprandial insulinemia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
  11. Koo HC, Poh BK, Abd Talib R
    Nutrients, 2018 Jan 30;10(2).
    PMID: 29385769 DOI: 10.3390/nu10020156
    Background: The GReat-Child Trial was a quasi-experimental intervention that has emphasized whole grain as a strategy to manage childhood obesity. Methods: Two schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar demographic characteristics were assigned as intervention (IG) and control (CG). Eligibility criteria were overweight/obese children aged 9 to 11 years who had no serious co-morbidity. Children who reported consuming wholegrain foods in their 3-day diet-recall during screening were excluded. A total of 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG) completed the entire intervention program. The IG children underwent six 30-min nutrition education lessons and had school delivery of wholegrain food on a daily basis over a 12-week period. Parents of IG children attended 1-h individual diet counseling. Anthropometric outcomes including BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ), body fat percentage and waist circumference were measured at baseline [T0], post-intervention [T1] (3rd month) and follow-up [T2] (9th month). Results: IG showed significantly lower BAZ (weighted difference: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.03; p = 0.009), body fat percentage (weighted difference: -2.6%; 95% CI: -3.7, -1.5; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: -2.4 cm; 95% CI: -3.8, -1.0; p = 0.001) compared to CG. IG reported significantly lower body fat percentage (weighted difference: -3.4%; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: -2.1 cm; 95% CI: -3.7, -0.5; p = 0.014) at T1 compared to T0. Conclusions: The GReat-Child Trial made a positive impact in managing childhood obesity. It can be incorporated into childhood obesity intervention programs that are being implemented by the policy makers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy
  12. Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Chung FF, Van der Laan L, Novoloaca A, Cuenin C, Johansson H, et al.
    Clin Epigenetics, 2021 12 17;13(1):224.
    PMID: 34920739 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01218-y
    Metformin and weight loss relationships with epigenetic age measures-biological aging biomarkers-remain understudied. We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial among overweight/obese breast cancer survivors (N = 192) assigned to metformin, placebo, weight loss with metformin, or weight loss with placebo interventions for 6 months. Epigenetic age was correlated with chronological age (r = 0.20-0.86; P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/therapy*
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