1. Obesity, Exercise & Men
Professor Philip Morgan
Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition
University of Newcastle

2. Background
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• “Over the last 30 years, the average male BMI of Australasian men is
increasing faster than for men in almost all other high-income countries.”
(Finucane et al. 2011, Lancet)
•
•
•
•
70% overweight/obese
95% inadequate F & V intake
<50% sufficiently active
20hrs p/wk screen time
ABS (2013)

3. Exercise and weight loss: sex differences?
• Sex-specific hormonal, metabolic (> kJ burnt), & appetite
responses to PA
• Gender-specific recommendations?
Hagobian et al. (2013) Curr Obes Rep (2), 86–92
Hagobian et al. (2010) Exerc Sport Sci Rev 38(1): 25-30
Engaging men in PA and weight loss
• Prefer to control weight through exercise (Kiefer et al., 2005): seek
‘masculine’ activities (Lewis et al., 2011)
• Need for targeted interventions – weight control as motivator
(Aoun et al., 2002). Programs have not appealed (Pagoto et al. 2012, Obesity)
• Evidence for male-only programs is limited
(Young et al. 2012, Obes Rev; George et al., 2012, Sports Med)
3

4. 4
• Morgan et al. BMC PH.
• Morgan et al. IJO. 2011

5. 5
(1) Pilot study (2008-2009)
(2) Community effectiveness trial (2010-2012)
Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, Maitland & Cessnock
(3) Transitioning to sustainability (2013-2014)

6. Rough & Tumble Play
Fun activities to develop HR
fitness
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Fundamental Movement Skills
Fun & Active Games

7. Reciprocal Reinforcement
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8. It matters how it is taught....and by who
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9. Findings
• Dads experienced improvements in health outcomes
(weight, waist, RHR, SBP, PA, dietary), maintained at 6-mth
follow up
• Behavioural changes (diet & PA) & reduced adiposity (BMIz) in children
PA improvement explanation:
• Dads: PA mediated weight loss
• Children: Co-PA mediated PA
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10. SHED-IT study
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– To evaluate two gender-tailored weight loss programs that
required no face-to-face contact
* Morgan PJ et al. (2012) ABM
* Morgan PJ et al. (2011). Obesity.
* Morgan PJ et al. (2009). Obesity.
* Morgan PJ et al. (2011). Obes Res Clin Pract
* Morgan, PJ et al. (2010). BMC Public Health
* Lubans DR et al. (2009). IJBNPA.
* Collins, C.E. et al. (2011). PHN
Methods
(Morgan et al., 2011, BMC Public Health)
– 159 overweight/obese men (BMI: 25-40kg/m2)
– Recruited via media & workplace notices
Design:
Assessor-blinded RCT (Online, Resources, Control)

11. Intervention
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SHED-IT Resources & Online
Weight Loss Handbook & Log Book
Weight Loss DVD
SHED-IT Online Only
Weight loss website
kJ counter
book
Tape measure &
pedometer

12. Tailoring for men
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•
‘Day in the life’
•
Masculinised
messages
•
Use of humour
•
Autonomy
•
No strict diet
•
Sustainable change
•
Mathematical approach
•
SCT

13. Weight (kg)
Control
Waist (cm)
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Resources
6-month
3-month
Online
Waist change (cm)
Weight change (kg)
3-month
*
*
*
*
**
*
* Significantly different to control group
** Significantly different to control & resources groups
Morgan et al., in press, Ann Behav Med
6-month
*
**

14. PA (steps/day)
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3-month
*
6-month
Significant effects
*
(steps / day)
* *
% Fat Mass
Quality of Life (physical)
Sexual function
Hazardous Alcohol Score
Portion Size
* Significantly different to control group
Control
Resources
Online

15. Conclusion
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• Results comparable to men only studies, but less intensive.
WL maintenance trial
Motivational
text
messages
Video messages
delivered via
email

16. 16
Shift work
& obesity
Obesity &
work
limitations
Workplace
potential &
evidence

17. •
•
15 crews from Tomago Aluminium
RCT
(i) „Workplace POWER‟ group (n=65)
(ii) 14 week wait-list control group (n=45)
Intervention
•
Adapted for shift workers
Conclusion
• Improved health and worksite outcomes in overweight male
shift workers
Morgan et al. (2011) Preventive Medicine
Morgan et al. (2012) JOEM
• Translational trial
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18. Email: Philip.Morgan@newcastle.edu.au
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