No abstract

The present study examined factors associated with adherence to a strength training (ST) intervention in a randomized controlled intervention trial testing whether twice-weekly strength training over 2 years could prevent age-associated increases in body fat in 80 overweight to mildly obese women, aged 25-44 years. Two sets of focus groups (FGs) were conducted with 25 women of color and 24 Caucasian participants, representing 60% of intervention participants. Fifty-five percent of FG participants had low adherence (defined as < or = 80% adherence to twice-weekly gym-based strength training). Demographic data indicated that marital status and childcare responsibilities affected adherence. Participants' perceptions of experiences in the ST intervention did not correspond to adherence levels or vary by race/ethnicity. Major impediments to adherence included competing obligations and related scheduling difficulties; life transitions; and declining or insufficient social motivators.

This convenience sample of fast-food patrons supported nutrition labels on menus. More research is needed with larger samples on whether point-of-purchase nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants raises perceived importance of nutrition when eating out.

Background It is hypothesized that exercise can lead to a decrease in breast cancer risk through several hormonal and non-hormonal mechanisms. The Women in Steady Exercise Research (WISER) study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on premenopausal sex hormone levels. Methods 391 sedentary, healthy, young eumenorrheic women were randomized into an exercise intervention of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 times a week for approximately 16 weeks (n=212), or into a control group (n=179). Serum levels of estradiol, estrone sulfate, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), all in the midfollicular phase, and of progesterone, in the midluteal phase, were measured at baseline and at the end of the 16-week period. Results Compared to the controls (n=153), exercisers (n=166) experienced significant increases in aerobic fitness, lean body mass, and decreases in percent body fat. There were no significant changes in body weight and menstrual cycle length between or within groups. Progesterone decreased significantly in exercisers; however, this reduction was similar to that of the control group. No significant changes between or within groups were found for any of the other sex hormones or SHBG. Conclusions In premenopausal women, 16 weeks of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise in young women did not significantly alter sex hormone or SHBG levels. Impact Any favorable effects that moderate aerobic exercise without an associated weight change may have on breast cancer risk in premenopausal women are unlikely to be a consequence of changes in levels of sex hormones or SHBG.