Yaguang Zheng

Faculty

Yaguang Zheng Headshot

Yaguang Zheng

PhD RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 998 5170

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Yaguang Zheng is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research focuses on cardiometabolic risk reduction by leveraging mobile health, electronic health records, and data science techniques. Prof. Zheng has explored behavioral phenotypes through the use of wireless devices in clinical trials and real-world settings and their impacts on cardiometabolic disease prevention and management. Zheng’s initial work focused on lifestyle behavior changes through mobile health, more specifically, using mobile health for self-monitoring and its impact on weight-loss outcomes. After identifying a critical knowledge gap in the area of engagement with mobile health, Zheng conducted a pilot study that found that older adults were able to use multiple mobile devices to improve diabetes self-management, debunking traditional perceptions of older adults as being skeptical of multiple mobile technologies.

Zheng has also applied machine learning algorithms to analyze data from a large real-world sample that has yielded varied patterns of use of wireless devices over the course of a year, findings which are helping to target subgroups of individuals who need long-term engagement in using mobile health devices. More recently, Zheng has worked on electronic health record data, including mobile health data from wearable devices, like continuous glucose monitors, which has real-world application for clinical practice.

Prior to joining the NYU Meyers faculty, Zheng was a postdoctoral scholar supported by NIH grant T32 NR008857 Technology: Research in Chronic and Critical Illness at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.

PhD in Nursing, University of Pittsburgh
Chronic disease
Diabetes
Informatics
Obesity
American Medical Informatics Association
American Heart Association
American Diabetes Association
Post-doctoral trainee, Technology: Research in Chronic and Critical Illness (T32 NR008857) (2020)
New Investigator Travel Award, American Heart Association EPI/NPAM 2014 Scientific Sessions (2014)
Ruth Perkins Kuehn Scholarship, Sigma Theta Tau, Eta Chapter (2014)

Trajectories of Weight Change and Predictors Over 18-Month Weight Loss Treatment

Zheng, Y., Sereika, S. M., Danford, C. A., Imes, C. C., Goode, R. W., Mancino, J., & Burke, L. E. (2017). In Journal of Nursing Scholarship (Vols. 49, Issues 2, pp. 177-184). 10.1111/jnu.12283
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Obesity research has typically focused on weight change patterns using the whole sample in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), ignoring subsets of individuals with varying weight change trajectories (e.g., continuing to lose, or maintaining weight). The purpose was to explore possible trajectories of weight change and their associated predictors. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from two RCTs using standard behavioral treatment for weight loss. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct classes of percent weight change trajectories over 18 months. Results: The sample (N = 338) was primarily female (85.2%), White (73.7 %), 45.7 ± 9.0 years old, with 15.6 ± 2.8 years of education. Three trajectory groups were identified: good responders (>15% weight loss), fair responders (5%–10% weight loss), and poor responders (

Association between Self-Weighing and Percent Weight Change : Mediation Effects of Adherence to Energy Intake and Expenditure Goals

Zheng, Y., Sereika, S. M., Ewing, L. J., Danford, C. A., Terry, M. A., & Burke, L. E. (2016). In Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Vols. 116, Issues 4, pp. 660-666). 10.1016/j.jand.2015.10.014
Abstract
Abstract
Background: To date, no investigators have examined electronically recorded self-weighing behavior beyond 9 months or the underlying mechanisms of how self-weighing might impact weight change. Objective: Our aims were to examine electronically recorded self-weighing behavior in a weight-loss study and examine the possible mediating effects of adherence to energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) goals on the association between self-weighing and weight change. Design: This was a secondary analysis of the self-efficacy enhancement arm of the Self Efficacy Lifestyle Focus (SELF) trial, an 18-month randomized clinical trial. Participants/setting: The study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh (2008-2013). Overweight or obese adults with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor were eligible. Intervention: Participants in the self-efficacy enhancement arm were given a scale (Carematix, Inc) and instructed to weigh themselves at least 3 days per week or every other day. The scale date- and time-stamped each weighing episode, storing up to 100 readings. Main outcome measures: Weight was assessed every 6 months. Adherence to energy intake and EE goals was calculated on a weekly basis using paper diary data. Statistical analyses performed: Linear mixed modeling and mediation analyses were used. Results: The sample (n=55) was 80% female, 69% non-Hispanic white, mean (standard deviation) age was 55.0 (9.6) years and body mass index (calculated as kg/m2) was 33.1 (3.7). Adherence to self-weighing declined over time (P

The Impact of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities on Binge Eating and Self-Efficacy among Adults in a Behavioral Weight Loss Trial

Goode, R., Ye, L., Zheng, Y., Ma, Q., Sereika, S. M., & Burke, L. E. (2016). In Health and Social Work (Vols. 41, Issues 3, pp. e60-e67). 10.1093/hsw/hlw032
Abstract
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is a significant problem among racial and ethnic minorities and those of low socioeconomic status (SES). Psychosocial barriers, such as binge eating and low self-efficacy, are known to hinder the adoption of a more healthful diet. There is limited research identifying racial and SES differences in binge eating and self-efficacy. Further investigations of these constructs may allow researchers to improve the effectiveness of weight management interventions and increase social worker involvement. In this article, the authors examine the socioeconomic and racial differences in binge eating and eating self-efficacy in a sample of individuals seeking weight loss treatment (N = 151). They explore associations between various sociodemographic variables and the Binge Eating Scale and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL). At baseline, nonwhite participants or those with fewer years of education exhibited more confidence resisting eating when food was available. Moreover, nonwhite participants reported more self-confidence eating under social pressure and had higher total WEL scores than white participants. However, at six months, nonwhite participants' WEL scores decreased. White participants increased their total WEL scores and obtained a higher percent weight change by the end of the intervention. Additional investigations on the dynamics affecting the development of self-efficacy are warranted.

Neighborhood factors and six-month weight change among overweight individuals in a weight loss intervention

Mendez, D. D., Gary-Webb, T. L., Goode, R., Zheng, Y., Imes, C. C., Fabio, A., Duell, J., & Burke, L. E. (2016). In Preventive Medicine Reports (Vols. 4, pp. 569-573). 10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.10.004
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the neighborhood environment and the association with weight change among overweight/obese individuals in the first six months of a 12-month weight loss intervention, EMPOWER, from 2011 to 2015. Measures of the neighborhood environment included neighborhood racial composition, neighborhood income, and neighborhood food retail stores density (e.g., grocery stores). Weight was measured at baseline and 6 months and calculated as the percent weight change from baseline to 6 months. The analytic sample (N = 127) was 91% female and 81% white with a mean age of 51 (± 10.4) years. At 6 months, the mean weight loss was 8.0 kg (± 5.7), which was equivalent to 8.8% (± 6%) of baseline weight. Participants living in neighborhoods in which 25–75% of the residents identified as black had the greatest percentage of weight loss compared to those living in neighborhoods with < 25% or > 75% black residents. No other neighborhood measures were associated with weight loss. Future studies testing individual-level behavioral weight loss interventions need to consider the influence of neighborhood factors, and how neighborhood-level interventions could be enhanced with individual-level interventions that address behaviors and lifestyle changes.

Patterns of self-weighing behavior and weight change in a weight loss trial

Zheng, Y., Zheng, Y., Burke, L. E., Danford, C. A., Ewing, L. J., Terry, M. A., & Sereika, S. M. (2016). In International Journal of Obesity (Vols. 40, Issues 9, pp. 1392-1396). 10.1038/ijo.2016.68
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Regular self-weighing has been associated with weight loss and maintenance in adults enrolled in a behavioral weight loss intervention; however, few studies have examined the patterns of adherence to a self-weighing protocol. The study aims were to (1) identify patterns of self-weighing behavior; and (2) examine adherence to energy intake and step goals and weight change by self-weighing patterns. Subjects/Methods: This was a secondary analysis of self-monitoring and assessment weight data from a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention study. Each participant was given a scale that was Wi-Fi-enabled and transmitted the date-stamped weight data to a central server. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct classes of trajectories based on the number of days participants self-weighed over 51 weeks. Results: The sample (N=148) was 90.5% female, 81.1% non-Hispanic white, with a mean (s.d.) age of 51.3 (10.1) years, had completed an average of 16.4 (2.8) years of education and had mean body mass index of 34.1 (4.6) kg m-2. Three patterns of self-weighing were identified: high/consistent (n=111, 75.0% self-weighed over 6 days per week regularly); moderate/declined (n=24, 16.2% declined from 4-5 to 2 days per week gradually); and minimal/declined (n=13, 8.8% declined from 5-6 to 0 days per week after week 33). The high/consistent group achieved greater weight loss than either the moderate/declined and minimal/declined groups at 6 months (-10.19%±5.78%, -5.45%±4.73% and -2.00%±4.58%) and 12 months (-9.90%±8.16%, -5.62%±6.28% and 0.65%±3.58%), respectively (P

Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and psychosocial predictors of attrition across behavioral weight-loss trials

Goode, R. W., Ye, L., Sereika, S. M., Zheng, Y., Mattos, M., Acharya, S. D., Ewing, L. J., Danford, C., Hu, L., Imes, C. C., Chasens, E., Osier, N., Mancino, J., & Burke, L. E. (2016). In Eating Behaviors (Vols. 20, pp. 27-33). 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.11.009
Abstract
Abstract
Preventing attrition is a major concern in behavioral weight loss intervention studies. The purpose of this analysis was to identify baseline and six-month predictors associated with participant attrition across three independent clinical trials of behavioral weight loss interventions (PREFER, SELF, and SMART) that were conducted over 10years. Baseline measures included body mass index, Barriers to Healthy Eating, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Hunger Satiety Scale (HSS), Binge Eating Scale (BES), Medical Outcome Study Short Form (MOS SF-36 v2) and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL). We also examined early weight loss and attendance at group sessions during the first 6months. Attrition was recorded at the end of the trials. Participants included 504 overweight and obese adults seeking weight loss treatment. The sample was 84.92% female and 73.61% white, with a mean (±SD) age of 47.35±9.75years. After controlling for the specific trial, for every one unit increase in BMI, the odds of attrition increased by 11%. For every year increase in education, the odds of attrition decreased by 10%. Additional predictors of attrition included previous attempts to lose 50-79lbs, age, not possessing health insurance, and BES, BDI, and HSS scores. At 6months, the odds of attrition increased by 10% with reduced group session attendance. There was also an interaction between percent weight change and trial (p

Current Science on Consumer Use of Mobile Health for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention : A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

Burke, L. E., Ma, J., Azar, K. M., Bennett, G. G., Peterson, E. D., Zheng, Y., Riley, W., Stephens, J., Shah, S. H., Suffoletto, B., Turan, T. N., Spring, B., Steinberger, J., & Quinn, C. C. (2015). In Circulation (Vols. 132, Issues 12, pp. 1157-1213). 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000232
Abstract
Abstract
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Impact of Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating on Diet and Weight in a 24-Month Behavioral Weight Loss Trial

Wang, J., Ye, L., Zheng, Y., & Burke, L. E. (2015). In Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (Vols. 47, Issues 5, pp. 432-436.e1). 10.1016/j.jneb.2015.05.004
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To examine longitudinal changes in perceptions of barriers to healthy eating and its impact on dietary intake and weight loss in a 24-month trial. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a behavioral weight loss trial (n = 210). The Barriers to Healthy Eating (BHE) scale was used to measure perceived barriers to healthy eating. Weight, total energy, and fat intake were measured. Longitudinal mixed regression modeling was used for data analysis. Results: The BHE total score decreased from baseline to 6 months and increased slightly from 6 to 24 months (P

Implementation and evaluation of an interprofessional simulation-based education program for undergraduate nursing students in operating room nursing education : A randomized controlled trial

Wang, R., Shi, N., Bai, J., Zheng, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2015). In BMC Medical Education (Vols. 15, Issue 1). 10.1186/s12909-015-0400-8
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The present study was designed to implement an interprofessional simulation-based education program for nursing students and evaluate the influence of this program on nursing students' attitudes toward interprofessional education and knowledge about operating room nursing. Methods: Nursing students were randomly assigned to either the interprofessional simulation-based education or traditional course group. A before-and-after study of nursing students' attitudes toward the program was conducted using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale. Responses to an open-ended question were categorized using thematic content analysis. Nursing students' knowledge about operating room nursing was measured. Results: Nursing students from the interprofessional simulation-based education group showed statistically different responses to four of the nineteen questions in the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, reflecting a more positive attitude toward interprofessional learning. This was also supported by thematic content analysis of the open-ended responses. Furthermore, nursing students in the simulation-based education group had a significant improvement in knowledge about operating room nursing. Conclusions: The integrated course with interprofessional education and simulation provided a positive impact on undergraduate nursing students' perceptions toward interprofessional learning and knowledge about operating room nursing. Our study demonstrated that this course may be a valuable elective option for undergraduate nursing students in operating room nursing education.

The SELF trial : A self-efficacy-based behavioral intervention trial for weight loss maintenance

Burke, L. E., Ewing, L. J., Ye, L., Styn, M., Zheng, Y., Music, E., Loar, I., Mancino, J., Imes, C. C., Hu, L., Goode, R., & Sereika, S. M. (2015). In Obesity (Vols. 23, Issues 11, pp. 2175-2182). 10.1002/oby.21238
Abstract
Abstract
Objective The SELF Trial examined the effect of adding individual self-efficacy (SE) enhancement sessions to standard behavioral weight loss treatment (SBT). Methods Participants were randomly assigned to SBT or SBT plus SE sessions (SBT+SE). Outcome measures were weight loss maintenance, quality of life, intervention adherence, and self-efficacy at 12 and 18 months. Results The sample (N = 130) was female (83.08%) with a mean (SD) body mass index of 33.15 (4.11) kg m2. There was a significant time effect for percent weight change (P = 0.002) yet no significant group or group-by-time effects. The weight loss for the SBT+SE group was 8.38% (7.48) at 12 months and 8.00% (7.87) at 18 months, with no significant difference between the two time points (P = 0.06). However, weight loss for the SBT group was 6.95% (6.67) at 12 months and 5.96% (7.35) at 18 months, which was significantly different between the two time points (P = 0.005), indicating that the SBT group had significant weight regain. Conclusions Both groups achieved clinically significant weight loss. The group receiving an intervention targeting enhanced self-efficacy had greater weight loss maintenance whereas the SBT group demonstrated significant weight regain possibly related to the greater attention provided to the SBT+SE group.