No abstract

Objectives While bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for individuals living with severe obesity, adhering to dietary requirements, especially protein requirements, can be a challenge. This study aims to examine the suitability of a nutrition-based education tool called “Protein Cards” that is focused on recipes high in protein to support individuals who have completed the surgery. Methods An online survey (23 questions) was developed using an adapted version of the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument along with two additional questions about the participants’ overall impression of the Protein Cards. Sample recipe cards were shown on each page of the survey. Participants were asked to rate the Protein Cards (“Not Suitable”, “Adequate”, or “Superior”) on: Content, Literacy Demand, Graphic Illustrations, Layout & Typography, Learning Stimulation & Motivation, and Cultural Appropriateness. Additionally, participants rated Overall Impression on a scale of 0 to 100. The survey was distributed over email to Canadian bariatric patients (adolescents and adults), dietitians, healthcare workers, and caregivers. Results Twenty participants registered to participate in the survey (Sept 2020-Jan 2021) but only fifteen participants completed the entire survey. Preliminary results revealed “Superior” scores for Content (83%), Learning & Stimulation (81%), Layout & Typography (89%), Literacy Demand (76%), and Cultural Appropriateness (78%). Overall, the recipe cards obtained an average score of 81%, which is considered as a “Superior” evaluation. Participants expressed that they were more likely to use the education tool during the “purée" (82%) and “soft diet” (78%) phases of the post-surgical diet and would prefer if the tool took on the form of a mobile application (85%). Conclusions The Protein Cards are considered a superior education tool that could be helpful when teaching and learning about foods high in protein for the post-operative stages of bariatric surgery. Future work will involve testing the tool in practice with both adolescent and adult patients as a means to increase adherence to post-operative nutrition requirements. Funding Sources University of British Columbia, Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

Objectives The Shapedown BC program (British Columbia, Canada) is a provincially funded 10-week family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention for children and adolescents (ages six to 17 years old) living with obesity (or an overweight condition with one comorbidity) delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Since 2006, this program has been offered in-person until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be provided in the virtual format only. It is unknown how this online format compares to the in-person intervention in eliciting health behaviour changes and consequent body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) outcomes in participants. Therefore, this study aims to explore the efficacy of a virtual Shapedown BC group program compared to in-person delivery on improving BMI-z. Secondary aims investigate the differences in program attendance and attrition, health behaviours, and metabolic markers among children. Methods This retrospective chart review study of n = 40 children (ages 10 to 17 years old) will use non-identifying data collected by the Shapedown BC multidisciplinary team. Data of participants in the virtual intervention (n = 20; September 2021 to March 2022) will be matched by age, sex, and BMI-z at baseline and compared with data from the in-person intervention (n = 20; 2016 to 2019). E-surveys at pre-and post-intervention are used to analyze changes in sociodemographic, diet quality (vegetable and sugary drink consumption), exercise, sitting behaviours, and family habits. Anthropometric measurements are collected during an in-person clinical visit at intake, pre-intervention, and then again at post-intervention. Attendance is collected throughout the intervention. Bloodwork (ALT- liver enzymes, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins) is collected at intake and again at week 10 for participants with abnormal levels. Results N/A Conclusions Results from this study will provide insight into the efficacy of a virtual multidisciplinary family-based behavioural lifestyle intervention, which will contribute to future design of virtual weight management programs for preventing childhood and adolescent obesity. Funding Sources The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Land and Food Systems; BC Children's Hospital Shapedown-BC Program.

Background: The Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) encourages Canadians to consume a balanced plate. However, this recommendation may not meet the nutritional needs of young athletes who have increased nutritional requirements. Aim: To evaluate how the 2019 CGF can be used to meet the nutritional needs of young athletes. Method: Five menu scenarios were created using the CFG’s balanced plate and recipes from Health Canada. Each menu was analyzed to compare nutrient and energy needs of an index athlete (15-year-old male, 71 kg). Estimated energy requirements were based on nutrition guidelines set by National and International sports-nutrition position statements. Results: The adjusted CFG balanced plate plus an energy dense beverage at every meal was the closest to meeting the index athlete’s nutrient requirements. Conclusion: The 2019 CFG’s balanced plate needs to be adjusted to meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with active lifestyles.