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Despite theoretical evidence that the model commonly referred to as the 3500 kcal rule grossly overestimates actual weight loss, widespread application of the 3500 kcal formula continues to appear in textbooks, on respected government and health related websites, and scientific research publications. Here we demonstrate the risk of applying the 3500 kcal rule even as a convenient estimate by comparing predicted against actual weight loss in seven weight loss experiments conducted in confinement under total supervision or objectively measured energy intake. We offer three newly developed, downloadable applications housed in Microsoft® Excel and Java which simulates a rigorously validated, dynamic model of weight change. The first two tools available at www.pbrc.edu/sswcp, provide a convenient alternative method for providing patients with projected weight loss/gain estimates in response to changes in dietary intake. The second tool which can be downloaded from the URL, www.pbrc.edu/mswcp, projects estimated weight loss simultaneously for multiple subjects. This tool was developed to inform weight change experimental design and analysis. While complex dynamic models may not be directly tractable, the newly developed tools offer the opportunity to deliver dynamic model predictions as a convenient and significantly more accurate alternative to the 3500 kcal rule.

Purpose.To examine the influence of an environmental intervention to prevent excess weight gain in African-American children.Design.Single-group repeated measures.Setting.The intervention was delivered to a school composed of African-American children.Participants.Approximately 45% (N = 77) of enrolled second through sixth grade students.Intervention.The 18-month intervention was designed to alter the school environment to prevent excess weight gain by making healthier eating choices and physical activity opportunities more available.Measures.Body mass index percentile was the primary outcome variable. Body mass index z score was also calculated, and percent body fat, using bioelectrical impedance, was also measured. Total caloric intake (kilocalories) and percent kilocalories from fat, carbohydrate, and protein were measured by digital photography. Minutes of physical activity and sedentary behavior were self-reported.Analysis.Mixed-models analysis was used with covarying baseline values.Results.Boys maintained, whereas girls increased, percent body fat over 18 months (p = .027). All children decreased percent of kilocalories consumed from total and saturated fat and increased carbohydrate intake and self-reported physical activity during the intervention (p < .025). Body mass index z score, sedentary behavior, and total caloric intake were unchanged.Conclusion.The program may have resulted in maintenance of percent body fat in boys. The percent body fat in girls steadily increased, despite similar behavioral changes as boys. School-based interventions targeting African-American children should investigate strategies that can be effective across gender.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has mandated development of a system to collect and manage data on the weight, percent body fat (), and fitness of all military personnel. This project aimed to (1) develop a computerized weight and fitness database to track individuals and Army units over time allowing cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluations and (2) test the computerized system for feasibility and integrity of data collection over several years of usage. The computer application, the Military Services Fitness Database (MSFD), was designed for (1) storage and tracking of data related to height, weight, for the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP) and Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores and (2) generation of reports using these data. A 2.5-year pilot test of the MSFD indicated that it monitors population and individual trends of changing body weight, , and fitness in a military population.