Objective: Obesity is highly prevalent among American adults and has negative health and psychosocial consequences. The purpose of this article was to qualitatively review studies that used technologybased interventions for weight loss and to identify specific components of these interventions that are effective in facilitating weight loss. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrow, qualitative review, focusing on articles published in the last 10 years that used an experimental or pre/posttest design and used a technology-based intervention for weight loss. Results: Among the 21 studies reviewed, we identified the following five components that we consider to be crucial in technology-based weight-loss interventions that are successful in facilitating weight loss: self monitoring, counselor feedback and communication, social support, use of a structured program, and use of an individually tailored program. Conclusions: Short-term results of technologically driven weight-loss interventions using these components have been promising, but long-term results have been mixed. Although more longitudinal studies are needed for interventions implementing these five components, the interface of technology and behavior change is an effective foundation of a successful, short-term weight-loss program and may prove to be the basis of long-term weight loss.

This study tested a novel extension of Schnurr and Green’s (2004) model of the relationships between trauma symptoms and health outcomes, with the specific application to HIV-positive men. A diverse sample of 167 HIV-positive men recruited from San Francisco Bay Area HIV Clinics completed demographic, medical, trauma history and symptom questionnaires. Mediation analyses were conducted using the method proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986). Regression analyses found sexual revictimization (SR) significantly mediated the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and peritraumatic dissociation (PD) and PD mediated the relationship between SR and current posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptom severity. PTS symptoms partially mediated the relationship between SR and current HIV symptom severity. The findings indicate that among HIV-positive men, sexually revictimized men constitute a vulnerable group that is prone to peritraumatic dissociation, which places them at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and worsened HIV-related health. Furthermore, traumatic stress symptoms were associated with worse HIV-related symptoms, suggesting that PTS symptoms mediate the link between trauma and health outcomes. This study highlights the need for future research to identify the bio-behavioral mediators of the PTSD-health relationship in HIV-positive individuals.

Promoting activity independent of weight-management appears promising for further study.

The following reflective essay expounds on the need for a commitment to excellence in medicine and health care. The ancient Greeks' central ideal was arete, defined as excellence or virtue. Healthcare professionals driven to promote prevent and reverse disease, while respecting and enhancing the health of the whole person, are champions of arete in health care. The Byzantine hospital known as the Pantokrator Xenon, founded in 1136, is presented as an example of arete in health care. Lastly, the patient-provider relationship and compassionate, selfless love (agape) are described as the foundation of excellent health care.

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