The growth hormone is a lipolytic hormone and somatomedin C mediates the metabolic effects of the growth hormone in many tissues. Growth hormone plasma levels are often depressed in obese individuals, and this low plasma level has been postulated as a reason for perpetuation of excess weight. Substantial weight loss in obese subjects improves…

Research has found that depressed moods increase eating among persons who are dieting and among those characterized by high levels of weight fluctuation. To determine whether eating improves depressed moods among persons who score high on the weight fluctuation factor on the Restraint Scale (Herman, et al, 1978), 72 college women consumed either a…

Twenty overweight and 20 normal weight women underwent habituation, classical conditioning, and extinction of the galvanic skin response. (Editor)

This study investigated the effects of a short period of severe protein malnutrition on subsequent growth and development in the squirrel monkey. A total of 12 newborn monkeys were fed a low protein diet from 2 to 8 weeks of age then rehabilitated by returning them to the 13 percent protein diet of the control group. Minimum amount of protein…

In evaluating the viability of the "spot reduction" hypothesis, it was found that neither general exercise nor localized exercise is more effective than the other. (MM)

Results of this research suggest that cardiorespiratory and body adaptations were independent from the two modes of training (high resistance-slow rate/low resistance-fast rate exercise on the bicycle ergometer) used in the study. (MB)

A perceptual-motor performance test (jumping, skipping, balancing, walking) was administered to 150 5- and 6-year old children categorized according to birth weight. (Author)

Changes in physical dimensions of a sample of lower socioeconomic Mexican American children, ages 6 through 17, from Brownsville, TX, were documented on the basis of surveys done in 1972 and 1983. Results suggest that these youth are similar in growth to other Mexican American youth, and confirm large proportion of relatively short but heavy…

Presents results of an assessment study of continuities in triceps skinfold thickness (TRSF) and Rohrer index (weight/height) in a biracial (black/white) cohort of 1,490 children and adolescents over an eight-year period. Reports that moderate, juvenile-onset obesity is malleable, but that the persistently obese youth is likely to become an obese…

Study of 955 9- to 18-year-olds at a competitive swimming camp revealed that many subjects had misperceptions about their body weights, particularly girls; swimmers' decisions to lose or gain weight were based on their perceptions more than on their actual weight; and others' opinions strongly influenced swimmers' opinions of their own weight.…

The study sought to identify reliable measurements for estimating energy stores of retarded adults (N=80) and possible correlations between energy intakes and obesity. Among results were a lack of significant correlations between caloric intake and anthropometric measures (e.g., tricepts skinfold). Body mass index is suggested as a more practical…

This study examined treatment-related changes in the health-related variables of weight, exercise, and diet. Two hundred and twenty teachers participated in health promotion workshops, with 115 teachers serving as a control group. Pretests and posttests were administered. Results are presented. (MT)

The paper describes a study of 168 college women to determine the extent to which preoccupation with weight and tendencies toward eating disorders are problems among female athletes. Results are presented. (Author/MT)

Anthropometric data were obtained from 526 Southeast Asian preschool children during 1980-84. Mean weights and heights were substantially below the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 50th percentile, but rates of weight and height gain were similar to reference values, indicating adequate growth after arrival in the United States.…