A relationship is sought between degree of improvement and duration of training sessions--15,30, and 45 minutes. (PBS)

A test of 32 children's hip and knee extensors found that children born blind or with low vision are at risk of developing weak lower-limb extensors, with congenitally blind children at greatest risk. After correcting for lean body weight, the differences between sighted children and those with low vision were insignificant. Results support the…

Investigated the contribution of body size, self-esteem, age, mainstream acculturation, and athletic status to concern or preoccupation about weight among female Mexican American adolescents. Students had low acculturation, high body fatness, and moderate self-esteem. There was little difference between athletes and non-athletes. Greater body size…

Used data on a nationally representative sample of Latina, black, and white women between the ages of 18-45 years to examine the relations among embodied femininity, weight concern, and depressive symptomatology. Results confirmed different patterns of relations for each group. The effects of embodied femininity for Latinas were similar to those…

Tested efficacy of behavior therapy for obesity and duration of treatment. Assigned obese clients (N=48) to either 20 or 40 weekly sessions with identical program content; treatment procedures were introduced more gradually in extended treatment. Both groups showed equivalent weight loss at week 20; extended treatment produced significantly…

The study evaluated the effects of an aerobic fitness program and dietary intervention with external control components on three obese adults with severe mental retardation. Results indicated severely retarded adults respond to a program of progressive aerobic exercise and caloric restriction much the same way as nonretarded persons. (Author/DB)

This study compared food consumption patterns of college students (N=152) living on campus, off campus, and in Greek housing. Results suggest that students' residence and sex may influence food choice and dietary practices. (IAH)

Reports reactions of university students to the physical appearance of children with growth disorders of dwarfism, or sex-linked trisomy, compared to children with normal body proportions. Normal children were rated more favorably on physical attractiveness. Discussed the impact of perceived age and height-weight characteristics on…

Gymnastics coaches may place undue emphasis on thinness. Of the 42 gymnasts in this study, 26 reported using some form of pathogenic behavior to lose weight. The implications of the demands on gymnasts and the additional social pressure to maintain exceptional thinness are discussed. (JD)

Reviews a motivational approach for increasing exercise and decreasing fat consumption to reduce body weight in obese individuals. Exercise motivation includes communicating the physiological benefits and self-regulating exercise intensity. Prudent eating motivation includes stopping restrictive dieting, distinguishing between hunger and craving,…

Adolescents and individuals participating in activities that emphasize body shape and control have been identified as risk groups for eating disorders. A study sought to determine whether certain groups of adolescent females are more vulnerable to disordered eating patterns or usage of pathogenic weight control techniques. Involvement in organized…

Exercise can help patients maintain lean body mass during weight loss. Although exercise is not extremely useful in shedding excess pounds, it helps keep off weight lost through calorie restriction. This article discusses the specifics of exercise prescription, types of exercise, motivation to exercise, and special problems such as diabetes. (SM)

This study on the incidence of obesity among 20,031 children with mental retardation at special schools in Japan found a higher incidence than among children without mental retardation of the same age and a higher incidence among girls than boys and among older students than younger ones. (Author/DB)

Reviews research which distinguishes various points along the continuum from normal eating habits to clinically diagnosed eating disorders. Focuses on nonclinical intermediate points and proposes intervention strategies for women experiencing difficulties with weight, body image, and/or eating. Contends further research is necessary for greater…

Data are presented on body weight and cranial capacity for 211 young adult male Caucasians (postsecondary students). The data do not support Rushton's claim for a greater weight-adjusted cranial capacity of Mongoloid males. Speed and efficiency of cortical information processing may be more important for intelligence than brain size. (SLD)