Weight Loss Outcomes of GLP-1 Receptor Agaonist With and Without Nutrition Interventions Among Adults With Obesity and T2dm: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

The rising obesity rates have led to a marked increase in the prescription of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) for weight management, particularly among adults and young adults, with a 594.4% surge from 2020 to 2023. While these medications are effective for weight loss by modifying appetite and enhancing satiety, concerns about potential loss of lean body mass (LBM) are noteworthy due to their negative effects on metabolic health and physical function. To address these concerns, dietary and lifestyle changes are essential, where dietitians play a crucial role in personalizing nutrition to maintain muscle mass and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Research indicates that combining lifestyle interventions with GLP-1RA therapy yields better weight management outcomes. Our meta-analysis emphasizes the need for a shift in weight management strategies from a medication-centric model to a holistic approach that integrates dietary education with GLP-1RA use. This integration is essential to reduce risks associated with rapid weight loss, preserve LBM, manage side effects, and foster sustainable lifestyle changes. Two analysis were employed to assess weight loss trends among individuals receiving GLP-1RA alone and GLP-1RA with nutrition interventions. Studies included participants aged 18-60 years, with a BMI of ?25, or type 2 diabetes. The analysis focused on outcomes such as weight loss, A1c levels, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal side effects. It was hypothesized that individuals receiving nutrition intervention with GLP-1RA would experience improved weight management, metabolic outcomes, along with fewer gastrointestinal issues. Our findings revealed a statistically significance in weight loss outcomes with GLP-1RA versus placebo (p=<0.0017) and when combined with nutritional interventions (p=<0.0001). Improvements in A1c levels (p=<0.0001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=<0.0001) were also significant in the nutrition intervention groups. However, no significant differences were found in gastrointestinal distress across intervention groups. This meta-analysis underscores the importance of GLP-1RA therapy with dietary education for effective weight loss and metabolic health. Dietitians play a vital role in tackling issues related to lean mass loss and treatment side effects. Further research is needed to enhance outcomes and promote sustained weight management and better health

The Relationship of Vitamin D Status and Sleep Quality on Body Composition in Division 1 Athletes

Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue that is seen in the United States. Vitamin D plays a role in many physiological processes that contribute to a person's basic health. Athletes have an increased need to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels in order to reduce injury risk and keep body composition within a normal level to optimize performance. Sleep is another component that contributes towards overall health, especially in athletes. Sleep plays a role in recovery, energy levels, and also contributes towards body composition. There is research that explains the relationship between vitamin D status and body composition, however, to our knowledge no study exists examining vitamin D, sleep quality, and body composition among athletes. Athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be used as subjects for this research study. After informed consent is given, previously collected data on vitamin D status and body composition will be gathered and compared to a validated sleep questionnaire that participants will complete. Previously collected data consists of body composition acquired via DEXA scan (GE HealthCare) and vitamin D status collected via finger prick (OmegaQuant). Data analysis will be conducted through Microsoft Excel. Correlation coefficients will be used to assess significant relationships between data points. The purpose of this research study is to gain a better understanding of how vitamin D status and sleep quality affect body composition in elite athletes. By conducting this research study, we can better relay information to athletes on how to optimize their nutrition and sleep to increase athletic performance

The Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Pain and Inflammation In Women With Physician Diagnosed Endometriosis

Endometriosis impacts up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Many of which experience excruciating pelvic and back pain, irregular periods, anguishing cramps, and infertility with no cure and limited pain relief options.1,3 However, some studies show that there may be a link between endometriosis symptom management and nutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of omega-3s and phytonutrient intake on pain and inflammation levels in women ages 18-50 with physician diagnosed endometriosis. A survey was created using Qualtrics. Forty-one survey responses were collected on specific nutritional factors, personal health, exercise history, inflammation and pain symptoms, and other lifestyle behaviors. Participants resided in a variety of locations. The mean age of participants was 31.4 (+/- 5.9) years. No statistically significant correlations were found between foods containing phytonutrients and/or omega-3s and a variety of pain and inflammation-related symptoms in these women. The non-significant results suggest that additional co-founders, such as microbiome composition or stress, may be playing a role in this relationship. Researchers may also consider the study limitations when organizing new studies. Further studies are recommended to better understand the complexity of physician-diagnosed endometriosis and its relationship with dietary factors such as phytonutrients and omega-3s

Social Media and the Effects of Nutrition Misinformation

Context: Social media use has been steadily increasing since its conception. Social media allows anyone to share any information, regardless of their qualifications or education. With this rise in the use of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok specifically, people are consistently exposed to nutrition-related misinformation. This has the strong potential to negatively impact users; social media use has been associated with altered body image, increased impulsiveness, and increased prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating habits. Moreover, access to affordable nutrition care by a dietitian a source of accurate nutrition information is not always feasible for people. Evidence Acquisition: This qualitative study uses a survey to gauge the likelihood of people believing nutrition information shared on various platforms. Regarding five mock social media posts, the survey also asks how likely viewers are to implement the respective information in their own lives. Results: In total, 60 survey responses were collected. Of those, 36 participant responses were included in the survey data analyses. After analyzing various demographics groups, the ""50-59 years old"" age group, ""Associate's Degree or Trade School"" education group, and the ""3-4 hours/day"" social media usage group were the most likely to trust and be impacted by nutrition misinformation found on social media. Conclusion: The results of this study cannot currently be generalized to external populations due to a small sample size, limited survey advertisement, and potential situational bias from the participants. While these factors limit the reliability and external validity of these results, the study does highlight the presence of a non-zero probability that people believe and would potentially implement nutrition misinformation seen on social media

Program Evaluation of the Veterans Administration Referral Coordination Initiative

A noted dissimilitude in success rates among VA facilities’ referral coordination implementation prompted an analysis of the methodologies of high-performing organizations’ application of processes. A data comparison exhibited discrepancies in attainment, in some cases evincing >60% variation in VA facilities’ use of the initiative, reliance on community care, and veteran retention. This disparity indicated there were practices utilized by high-performing facilities that were incorrectly executed or excluded by low-performing facilities. A program evaluation and literature review of documented findings for the Veterans Administration, Referral Coordination Initiative, and veterans’ healthcare in studies conducted within the past eight years to identify modalities of program implementation that have been used across the VA during this period. Attendance at two in-person collaboratives that presented best practices used by several high-performing facilities yielded additional data. The evaluation identified over 20 best practices currently practiced at high-performing facilities and ascertained the positive impact of these methods on the success of the referral coordination initiative for veterans’ healthcare. The findings confirmed several methodologies that could effectuate improving care coordination for veterans’ healthcare needs while reducing reliance on community care services through the retention or recovery of veterans to the VA

Culturally Responsive Leadership in Organizational and Community Settings: Understanding Perceptions, Trust, and the Teach Framework

As organizations and communities become increasingly diverse, there is a growing need for leadership approaches that center identity, inclusion, equity, belonging, and cultural awareness. This grounded theory study explored how individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and professional backgrounds—including senior executives—experience leadership that affirm identity and fosters inclusion. Using race and role-based focus groups, the study created psychologically safe spaces for authentic dialogue. Through rigorous analysis of participant narratives, a theory of culturally responsive leadership emerged beneficial to broad sectors of organizations and community settings. Central to this theory is the development of the original TEACH Framework™ —Trust, Empathy, Accountability, Cultural Awareness, and Honest (Inclusive) Communication—which offers a research-informed and practice-oriented model. The study also introduces the TEACH Framework™ Leadership Continuum, a spiral-based model illustrating the ongoing, developmental nature of leadership growth. Together, these models provide a timely, actionable lens to guide leaders across civic, organizational, and community contexts. They advance both theory and practice by offering a pathway to equity-centered, culturally grounded leadership that honors the lived experiences of diverse communities

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Infant-Driven Feeding on Advancing Oral Feeds in Noenates

This quality improvement project evaluated the implementation of Dr. Brown's Infant-Driven Feeding (IDF) program at a large Midwest referral center's Level III and IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The IDF program standardizes neonatal cue-based feeding to align with the neurodevelopmental stages of preterm infants, shifting the focus from volume-driven to quality based feeding practices. Research has shown that IDF reduces length of stay (LOS), accelerates the time to full oral feeds, enhances breastfeeding rates, and improves satisfaction for both staff and parents. The sample included NICU infants who met specific respiratory and feeding readiness criteria, with data collected through a retrospective chart review spanning 6 months after implementation. Nurse satisfaction was assessed through a post-implementation survey. Key stakeholders included patients and nurses. The primary outcome measure was LOS, analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. This project highlights the feasibility of integrating structured, cue-based feeding protocols in the NICU. While the quantitative results did not show a reduction in LOS, the IDF program's potential benefits for infant feeding progression and nursing practice warrant further evaluation

Assessing Patient Support Persons' Knowledge and Perception in Pressure Injury Prevention

Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly in palliative care settings where patients often experience limited mobility and increased vulnerability. This study assesses the knowledge and perceptions of patient support persons regarding pressure injury prevention (PIP) and develops a tailored educational intervention to address identified gaps. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research included semi-structured interviews with 15 patient support persons and pre- and post-intervention surveys completed by 24 participants to evaluate knowledge and confidence related to PIP. Qualitative findings revealed a profound lack of awareness and education concerning PIs among participants, highlighting critical barriers to effective prevention. The themes identified included unfamiliarity with the signs and symptoms of PIs and a strong desire for comprehensive educational resources to empower support persons in their caregiving roles. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant improvements post-intervention, for recognizing signs and implementing preventive measures increasing. Specifically, participants' knowledge scores increased from a mean of 2.42 (SD = 1.10) to 3.88 (SD = 0.69) for identifying signs and symptoms of PIs, representing a 60.3% improvement. This study highlights the necessity of targeted educational programs for patient support persons to enhance their understanding of PIP, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The findings emphasize the vital role of education in equipping caregivers with the necessary tools to actively participate in mitigating the risks associated with PIs

Program Evaluation of Preoperative Education of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy or Endometriosis Surgery

Women undergoing hysterectomy or endometriosis surgery often experience preoperative anxiety and significant postoperative pain, which may be exacerbated by inadequate education. At a Midwestern medical center, the preoperative education program for women undergoing hysterectomy or endometriosis surgery was evaluated for its impact on positive patient outcomes, particularly preoperative anxiety, and postoperative pain. The program involves nurses from two departments delivering education through multiple modules, including in-person, and video sessions, informational materials, and preoperative phone calls. A total of 29 nurses (N = 29) were participants in the evaluation, completing surveys regarding their perceptions and medical opinions on patient anxiety, preparedness, and the role of support persons. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using both manual coding and software assistance. Interviews were conducted during preoperative phone calls to assess the delivery of the educational content. Findings indicate that while the program effectively provided quality education, areas for improvement were identified. Notably, opinions revealed that many patients lacked awareness of postoperative pain expectations and the necessity of urination before discharge. Nearly 45% of participants answered that women appeared anxious prior to surgery "about half of the time," and some patients were not adequately prepared with the necessary supplies for recovery. Enhancing patient awareness of postoperative pain, ensuring preparedness for home recovery, and encouraging a support person during education sessions can reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, improving outcomes for patients, families, and the healthcare team