The relationships among weight, cigarette smoking, use of contraceptive pills, and blood pressure were investigated in over 1,500 college students who underwent physical examinations in their first and third academic years. Results of the study are discussed. (PP)

A theoretical 18-link model of the human body was designed as a sex-generalized predictor of segmental inertial parameters. Body measurements of 40 male and female subjects from 6 to 35 years of age were used. The results were similar to those reported in other studies and the photogrammetric procedure was found to be facilitative. (Authors/JN)

A school-based diet program for learning disabled children stresses modifying eating behavior by learning alternative ways of interacting with the environment. Techniques stress the importance of self regulation, strategies for self monitoring, the establishment of realistic weight goals, use of stimulus control procedures, increased physical…

A sample lacking variance was judged less probable than a variable sample and a sample representing the upper half of the population was judged less likely than one representing both. As range and mean approached an ideal, samples appeared more probable. A hierarchical model of sample cues seems appropriate. (CPT)

A nutrition unit developed for inclusion in the high school health education curriculum contains a training packet that provides information about how best to implement the unit. Three major topics form the core of the nutrition unit: nutrient needs, qualitative evaluation of foods, and weight control. (JN)

This paper discusses the importance of studying physical growth patterns in children and presents the results of a survey of height and weight measurements collected on 1,953 children ages 5-11. The need for behavior changes and the part played by education in this process is outlined. (JMF)

Described is a group weight control project with severely obese adolescent girls in a medical setting. Behavior modification principles were utilized with peer group interaction. Significant others had separate group meetings. Small amounts of weight loss were recorded. Dropouts continued to have a net gain. (Author/KC)

Results of research on the influence of body size and composition on peak force and maximal rate of static strength exertion as measured from force-time curves indicates that rate of force production is somewhat independent of peak force, yet influenced by body size and composition, as is peak force. (MB)

Most teachers are, according to "Instructor's" Teacher Health Survey. The author, a Professor at Towson State College, Baltimore, Maryland, who wrote "Thin from Within", encourages teachers to try his values clarification approach to weight control. With it, they'll keep pounds off permanently. (Editor/RK)

This paper examines gender differences in smoking that may lead to differential treatment process and outcome, suggesting ways to incorporate nicotine replacement products into treatment strategies adapted to the special needs of women smokers and discussing withdrawal symptomatology, maintaining abstinence, weight concerns, menstrual cycle…

Examined parents' awareness of their daughters' attitudes, beliefs, and feelings about their bodies. Sixty-six adolescent daughters completed an eating disorder scale, a body figure rating scale, and made ratings of their shape and weight. Greater discrepancies between parents' estimates of daughters' body esteem and daughters' self-reported body…

This longitudinal study examined peer teasing and parent criticism as mediators of the relationship between girls' weight status and self-concept. Findings indicated that at both ages 5 and 7, overweight girls reported lower self-concept. Peer weight-related teasing and parent criticism mediated relationship between weight status and self-concept…

Discusses social, economic, and political conditions that influence the growth and health of children of Guatemalan Maya immigrants to the United States. As of 2000, Maya-American children age 6-12 years were, on average, 11 centimeters taller, and also heavier, than their Guatemalan peers. The heaviness is probably due to sedentary lifestyles.…

Examined the effects of a nutrition education program on the eating attitudes and behaviors of college women (N= 130). Experimental and control groups completed pre- and posttest assessments of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and eating behaviors. Findings showed that the nutrition education program positively affected the attitudes and eating…

A review of literature related to the effectiveness of dietary interventions in controlling blood pressure concludes that the existing literature contains sufficient evidence to identify successful dietary intervention techniques, in either the short or long term, which modify sodium intake, fat intake, or calorie intake in middle-aged men. (IAH)