Overweight Males Research Articles

Visceral fat reduction is positively associated with blood pressure reduction in overweight or obese males but not females: an observational study

BackgroundVisceral adiposity has been reported to play a key role in hypertension compared with other measurements of regional or general obesity. The aim of current study was to evaluate the relationship between visceral fat reduction and changes in blood pressure in a group of overweight or obese Chinese individuals.MethodsAn observational study was conducted with 168 participants (ChiCTR-OOC-17012000). Body composition, blood parameters and blood pressure were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Males and females were categorized separately into quartiles according to changes in visceral fat during the intervention. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the associations of changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with changes of visceral fat area, adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsChanges in visceral fat was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men for systolic (β = 0.234, 95% CI: 0.103, 0.365; p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.237; 95% CI: 0.127, 0.346; p <0.001), but not in women after adjustment for the same potential confounders for systolic blood (β = − 0.003, 95% CI: − 0.260, 0.255; p = 0.984) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.101, 95% CI: − 0.072, 0.273; p = 0.249).ConclusionsA positive association was observed between reduction in visceral fat and improvements in both systolic blood and diastolic blood pressures in males but not females in a 12-week meal replacement intervention.Trial registrationThe Ethics Committee of Peking University Health Science Center approved the study protocol on 6 July 2017. The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention were carried out following the rules of the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 and registered (ChiCTR-OOC-17012000). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=20426

Silibinin Differentially Decreases the Aggressive Cancer Phenotype in an In Vitro Model of Obesity and Prostate Cancer

Aim: Obesity increases the risk for aggressive and fatal prostate cancer (PCa). The bioactive compound silibinin has been researched for its chemopreventative properties and may benefit obese or overweight individuals with PCa.Methods: This study used an in vitro model of obesity exposing prostate cancer cells to sera from obese, overweight, or normal weight males with or without the addition of silibinin. Molecular activity was assayed as well as the phenotype of PCa cells with various treatments.Results: Obesity increased the expression of proliferative signaling including COX-2, IL-6, AKT, ERK, and AR, which was attenuated with silibinin. Cell growth, and invasive capacity of prostate cancer cells was increased with obese and overweight sera, and silibinin was able to mitigate this affect. However, there are limitations to this study in that an in vivo model was not used to validate these in vitro results nor a co-culture model, which may better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment.Conclusions: Silibinin may be a safe intervention for those with or at risk for prostate cancer, and it may be the most beneficial for obese or overweight males.

Three postmortem case reports of the excited delirium syndrome – A short comparison

PurposeThe purpose of the work is to show and compare three reported cases of Excited Delirium Syndrome, which happened in Warsaw, Poland, from 2013 to 2017. We compared the results of three autopsy and toxicological findings of unexpectedly deceased males and the circumstances of their death, based on the police records. ResultsThere were no significant findings of chronic diseases or multiple traumas leading us to the clear explanation of cause of death. We noted a rapid cardiopulmonary failure accompanied by drug abuse in all three cases, that happened following a stressful stimulus, evoked by a police restraint in prone position. All patients resembled similar external characteristics and BMI and had used drugs before death. ConclusionA lack of the autopsy findings suggests the Excited Delirium Syndrome as a cause of death.The syndrome may be diagnosed after death, following the definition of exclusion of other somatic causes of death, preceded by symptoms during a stressful event. The syndrome occurs in overweight males, abusing especially stimulants. The physical restraint plays an important role in the initiation of the symptoms. The pathophysiology of the syndrome is poorly understood, but some theories underline dopamine transporters stimulation. To this day, there are no published Excited Delirium guidelines for forensic specialists or pathologists.

2060-P: Serum Wnt Inhibitor DKK1 Is Associated with Adiposity and Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic North Americans

Background: The Wnt pathway is known to influence body composition during early human development by regulating bone formation, myogenesis and adipogenesis. We have recently shown that DKK1 is related to measures of adiposity in nondiabetic African ancestry males. Whether these relationships are true across sexes and/or in other human populations remains unknown. In this study we evaluated the relationship of DKK1 with adiposity in a sample of male and female, mixed race, nondiabetic North American individuals. Methods: Fasting serum DKK1 levels were measured using ELISAs in 201 nondiabetic subjects (age range 30.7-60 years, BMI range 19.9-64.0 kg/m2) recruited from the general population via television advertisement and mass mailing. The subjects were predominantly female (85%) and Caucasian (63%). Anthropometrics were obtained and markers of inflammation and glucose metabolism were measured from fasting serum samples. Spearman and partial Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the association of DKK1 with measures of adiposity and insulin resistance. Results: Circulating DKK1 was positively associated with BMI (r=0.30, p&amp;lt;0.001) and waist circumference (r=0.25, p&amp;lt;0.001), independent of age, race and sex. In addition, DKK1 was positively associated with fasting serum insulin level (r=0.18, p&amp;lt;0.01) and HOMA-IR (r=0.19, p&amp;lt;0.01) in age, sex and race adjusted models. However, these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for BMI. Conclusion: This is the first study looking at correlation of DKK1 with adiposity in North American nondiabetic individuals. Our findings suggest that the link between DKK1 and insulin resistance maybe mediated indirectly through total and regional adiposity and that DKK1 could be a potential early biomarker for diabetes in high risk individuals. These findings support our findings in African ancestry males and add to the evidence favoring potential role of Wnt modulators in adiposity regulation in humans. Disclosure H. Ali: None. E. Oczypok: None. I. Miljkovic: None. R. Cvejkus: None. J.M. Zmuda: None. J. DeLany: None. E.E. Kershaw: Research Support; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Funding National Institutes of Health (T32DK007252); Endocrine Fellows Foundation

“Sex hormone independent associations between insulin resistance and thyroid status –a gender based biochemical study on clinically euthyroid non-obese, overweight and obese type 2 diabetics'’

AimStudies indicate that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) might contribute to the development of thyroid disorders (TD). However, few gender based reports are available describing therelationship between T2DM and TD in clinically euthyroid, anthropometry specified groups of type 2 diabetics. The aim of this study was to relategender based biochemical changes in anthropometry specified, clinically euthyroid type 2 diabetics. MethodologyThe study was carried out on clinically euthyroid type 2 diabetics (male n = 269; female n = 301) at a tertiary health care unit in Pondicherry, South India. Three groups were segregatedbased on Body mass Index: 153 non-obese type 2 diabetics (BMI = 18.5–24.99), 291 overweight type 2 diabetics (BMI = 25–29.99) and 126 obese type 2 diabetics (BMI ≥ 30). Biochemical parameters included glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, Cortisol and Thyroid profile. ResultsThe study had included clinically euthyroid type 2 diabetics (52.8% females and 47.2% males). Statistically significant associationsweredifferently observed between insulin resistance (dependent variable) andother independent variables, irrespective of sex hormone status. Total protein was negatively related in non -obese male type 2 diabetics (R = 0.780); Triiodothyronine was inversely associated in overweight males, whereas cortisol and the divalent cations (Zinc and Magnesium) depicted positive association (R = 0.555) in the same group (overweight), butcortisol in non -obese female type 2 diabeticswas negative (R = 0.742); Glycated hemoglobin and calcium exhibited positive relationshipin obese type 2 female diabetics (R = 0.771).. ConclusionOur study has revealed distinctive relationship between T2DM and TD in the anthropometry specified, clinically euthyroid and gender based type 2 diabetics, independent of the sex hormones.

A comparison of demographic and socio-psychological characteristics of obese males according to degree of obesity

This study aims to explore the diverse characteristics of obese groups of Korean males in their 20’s to 40’s. A total of 201 males who each had a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 23 or over were recruited through a convenient sampling. Samples were categorized into groups of overweight, slightly obese, and severely obese, and submitted for data analysis. Results are summarized as follows. First, in terms of demographic characteristics, slightly and severely obese males were older than overweight males. There were also group differences in marital status and household income. Second, slightly and severely obese groups demonstrated a higher perception of obesity and a lower perception of health than did the overweight group. Third, there were no group differences in body satisfaction, socio-cultural attitudes toward appearance, and self-esteem. Based on these results, we concluded that overweight, slightly obese, and severely obese groups were distinguishable from each other in terms of their demographic characteristics, whereas the slightly obese group and the severely obese group were not different in terms of perception of obesity, perception of health, weight control behaviors, body satisfaction, body image, socio-cultural attitudes toward appearance, and self-esteem. These findings may reflect that people may not become increasingly sensitive to socio-psychological stimulations as they gain more weight if they have exceeded a certain level of obesity. This observation provides meaningful implications for the differences among obesity groups given the lack of prior research focusing on this issue.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Serum Leptin Level: A Prospective Study

Objective: To evaluate the changes caused by Ramadan fasting on body weight and serum leptin level in normal, overweight and obese individuals. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from June to July 2014 among individuals who fasted throughout the month of Ramadan and had no known chronic disease. All individuals were categorized according to Body Mass Index (BMI) categories for Asians, i.e., normal weight (18.5-22.9 Kg/m2), overweight (23-24.9 Kg/m2) and obese (>25Kg/m2). Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were obtained at irst day of Ramadan (Pre Ramadan) and during the last week of Ramadan (Post Ramadan). Leptin hormone was analyzed by Human ELISA kit. Paired t-test was used for comparison, pvalues <0.05 was considered as signiicant. Results: Out of total, 110 patients (55 males and 55 females), 30 (27.27%) individuals had normal BMI, 20 (18.18%) were overweight while 60 (54.54%) were obese. Ramadan fasting caused signiicant reduction 2 in BMI (Kg/m ) of overweight (P=0.013) and obese (P=0.046) male individuals. Noticeable and signiicant reduction was also observed in BMI of obese females (P=0.036). A signiicant reduction in the mean serum leptin (ng/ml) level of overweight males (P=0.033), obese males (P=0.003) males, and obese females (P=0.041) was also observed at the end of Ramadan. Conclusion:The indings of this study showed that the fasting during Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for overweight and obese people to lose body weight. The BMI and serum leptin concentration of obese and overweight individuals of both genders of our study signiicantly decreased due to fasting.

Gender-specific correlates of perceived life stress: a population-based study, Montreal, Canada, 2012

To identify the gender-specific correlates of perceived life stress in a representative sample of theMontreal population. Data were extracted from theLocal Health Survey Program (called "TOPO") collected in 2012. TOPO-2012 provided information on chronic diseases, their determinants and risk factors, as well as lifestyle and health services utilization. Poisson regression was used to identify significant correlates of perceived life stress. Single-parent females were 21% more likely (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04-1.42) to report stressful life compared to females living alone. Females born in Canada or established female immigrants were significantly more likely to report stressful life (respectively RR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.12-1.60 and RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.08-1.58) than recent female immigrants. Furthermore, females living in a privileged material neighbourhood reported significantly higher perceived life stress (14% higher) than females living in a deprived neighbourhood. On the other hand, males with higher annual household income were 9% more likely (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05-1.14) to perceive life stress than males reporting a lower income. Also, overweight males reported higher stress (RR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.01-1.26) than their normal weighted counterparts. Additionally, males who were diagnosed with a physical health problem were more likely to report stressful life (RR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.28-1.61) than males who did not report any physical health problem. Identifying correlates of stress at the population level may help researchers characterize people vulnerable to daily stress, provide health agencies the advantage to forecast and prevent its occurrence and diseases associated with it, as well as offer policy advocates a pivotal edge to reduce disparities in population health.

The Investigation of Sex Differences in the Effect of Body Mass Index.

Although many researches regarding risk factors for hypertension have been reported, little information is known about the effect of BMI on the prevalence of hypertension considering sex differences. The aim of this study was to examine the sex difference in the prevalence of hypertension with the predicting indicator BMI. A total number of 6330 subjects in Shaanxi were examined using multivariable logistic regression to study the relationship between genders in different levels of BMI and prevalence of hypertension. Overall, females had a higher prevalence of hypertension than males, being 28.36% and 21.55%, respectively. The mean of blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension increased as BMI getting larger. The result of multivariable logistic regression showed that obese and overweight males had higher risk of getting hypertension than their female counterparts. Further prevention of hypertension should be focused on obese and overweight males more than females and examining the mechanism of how sex differences influence the prevalence of hypertension.

Anthropometric Relation of Neck and Waist Circumference in Overweight and Obese Nigerian Subjects: Implication for the Fashion Industry

Introduction: In the local tailoring industries in Nigeria, it is generally assumed that the waist circumference is twice the neck circumference. Whether this is true for obese and overweight people is unknown. Objective: This study investigated the anthropometric relationship of the neck circumference to the waist circumference in overweight and obese people and its use in the clothing industry. Subjects and Methods: A sample size of 557 volunteers between 18 to 50 years was recruited for the study from the three campuses of the University of Port Harcourt. 391 were overweight (males=218, females=173) and 166 were obese (males=63, females=103). The neck and waist circumferences of volunteers were taken at the upper neck circumference (UNC), middle neck circumference (MNC), lower neck circumference (LNC) and upper waist circumference (UWC), middle waist circumference (MWC) and lower waist circumference (LWC) respectively. The Body Mass Index of the participants were determined after their weights and heights were measured to enable us categorize them into overweight and obese. The data obtained were analyzed with the aid of Microsoft Excel statistical tools. Results: Overweight males had UNC =37.83cm, UWC =83.69cm, MNC =37.72cm; MWC=85.79cm, LNC =38.43cm, LWC =86.37cm. Overweight females had UNC =33.64cm, UWC=78.02cm, MNC =33.64cm, MWC= 83.09cm, LNC =34.71cm, LWC=83.09cm. Obese males had UNC =40.15cm, UWC=93.87cm, MNC =40.12cm, MWC= 97.95cm, LNC =40.85cm, LWC =97.82cm. Obese females had UNC =35.07cm, UWC =90.86cm, MNC= 35.29cm, MWC =97.29cm, LNC =36.01cm, LWC =100.72cm. Pearson’s correlations(r) of the different regions of the neck and waist for overweight and obese subjects were determined. Conclusion: The correlation between the neck and waist circumference is weak in both overweight and obese. No subject has a waist circumference that is exactly twice the neck circumference. Estimation of waist circumference from the neck circumference will result in clothes that are not fitted.

The association between physical fitness and health in a nationally representative sample of Canadian children and youth aged 6 to 17 years.

This study explored the relationship between physical fitness and indicators of physical and psychosocial health in a nationally representative sample of Canadian children and youth aged 6-17 years. We conducted a secondary data analysis of Canadian Health Measures Survey (Cycles 1 and 2; 2007-2011) data. The physical fitness measures included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test), strength (handgrip strength), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and muscular endurance (partial curl-ups). The physical health indicators included directly measured biomarkers (total and HDL [high-density lipoprotein] cholesterol, C-reactive protein, glucose, and HbA1c [glycohaemoglobin]) and measures of adiposity, resting heart rate, and blood pressure. Psychosocial health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine the association between variables, stratified by age groups and sex. 3,800 (48.9% female) children and youth were retained for this analysis. CRF displayed significant favourable associations with most physical health indicators in male and female participants. There were less significant favourable associations with flexibility and muscular endurance compared with CRF across age and sex groups. Strength was associated with higher adiposity in males and females, and lower heart rate in male children (β = -1.9; 95% CI: -2.9, -1.0) and female youth (β = -2.0; 95% CI: -2.7, -1.2). There were few significant favourable associations between measures of physical fitness and psychosocial health in this sample of children and youth. These findings suggest that physical fitness, and especially CRF, is a significant indicator of physical health among Canadian children and youth aged 6-17 years.

Sex difference in the mediation roles of an inflammatory factor (hsCRP) and adipokines on the relationship between adiposity and blood pressure.

Mounting evidence shows that adiposity is closely related to elevated blood pressure (BP); however, the underlying mechanism of this relationship is not clearly understood. We aimed to assess the mediating effects of an inflammatory factor (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP) and adipokines, as well as any sex differences, on the relationship between adiposity and BP among Chinese overweight or obese adults. A total of 1221 overweight or obese subjects aged 20-55 years who lived in Beijing for at least 1 year were recruited in 2014. The percentage of body fat (PBF) was examined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the mediation of hsCRP, leptin, and adiponectin on the relationship between adiposity and BP by sex. Serum hsCRP and leptin levels were positively associated with PBF (P < 0.001) in males and females. Adiponectin and leptin levels were associated with systolic BP (SBP), but only in males, while in females, the hsCRP level was associated with SBP and diastolic BP (DBP). In males, leptin mediated 22.5% of the relationship between adiposity and SBP and 31.4% for DBP (mediation effect = 0.059 and 0.068, respectively, P < 0.05). However, in females, hsCRP mediated 30.2% of the relationship between adiposity and SBP and 29.5% for DBP (mediation effect = 0.058 and 0.063, respectively, P < 0.001). There are sex differences in the mediation roles of hsCRP and adipokines on the relationship between adiposity and BP. Leptin mediated part of the relationship between adiposity and BP in males, while hsCRP mediated the relationship in females. Our results provide evidence for adiposity-related high BP control measures in a sex-specific manner and provide hints for exploring the potential mechanisms of obesity-related hypertension.

Effects of macronutrient manipulation on postprandial metabolic responses in overweight males with high fasting lipids during simulated shift work: A randomized crossover trial

Meals consumed out of synchronisation with normal circadian rhythms are associated with metabolic dysregulation. Changes in macronutrient composition of meals can improve metabolic responses during the day. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether macronutrient manipulation of meals alters postprandial glucose and lipid responses and the expression of circadian genes during the night. In a randomised crossover trial, 16 overweight males with high fasting lipids were fed isocaloric meals (2.7MJ) at 0000h. The meals differed primarily in total fat and total sugars content (control (8% total sugar, 5% saturated fat) vs test (16% total sugar, 26% saturated fat)). Postprandial blood samples were collected for glucose, insulin (3h) and triglycerides (6h) and analysed as incremental area under the curve (iAUC). RNA was extracted at 0h, 2h and 4h and changes in expressions of the circadian genes clock and Per 1-3 analysed. Postprandial glucose (p=0.04) and insulin iAUC (p=0.02) were significantly higher after consumption of the test meal compared to the control meal. Postprandial triglyceride iAUC was not statistically different between the two meal types (p=0.72). No change in circadian gene expression was observed after the two meals. Our results showed that macronutrient composition affects postprandial metabolic response at night. It emphasizes the need to consider the role and effects of night time eating, when developing metabolic disease prevention strategies for shift workers. ACTRN12618001115224. WEBSITE OF TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.anzctr.org.au/. Retrospectively registered after data collection.

Eight sessions of endurance training decrease fasting glucose and improve glucose tolerance in middle-aged overweight males

Exercise improves metabolic regulation and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The recommendations for exercise are rather general and the health benefits of controlled training studies are important to make better recommendations. In the present study, we report that eight endurance training sessions over 3 weeks reduced fasting glucose, and improved glucose tolerance and plasma lipids in sedentary middle-aged males (44–64 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI: 27–38). The decrease in fasting glucose was substantial (from 5.3 ± 0.3 to 4.8 ± 0.2 mM; p < .001). The training sessions consisted of 60-min indoor-cycling at ∼83% of peak heart rate divided in four blocks of 15 min cycling, with 2-min rest between blocks. Maximal oxygen uptake did not increase (38.8 ± 1.8 vs. 39.0 ± 1.6 ml kg−1 min−1). In conclusion, 3-weekly sessions of moderate-/high-intensity endurance training can be recommended for untrained males with overweight or obesity to improve glucose homeostasis.

Sugar Responses of Human Enterochromaffin Cells Depend on Gut Region, Sex, and Body Mass.

Gut-derived serotonin (5-HT) is released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in response to nutrient cues, and acts to slow gastric emptying and modulate gastric motility. Rodent studies also evidence a role for gut-derived 5-HT in the control of hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and thermogenesis, and in mediating diet-induced obesity. EC cell number and 5-HT content is increased in the small intestine of obese rodents and human, however, it is unknown whether EC cells respond directly to glucose in humans, and whether their capacity to release 5-HT is perturbed in obesity. We therefore investigated 5-HT release from human duodenal and colonic EC cells in response to glucose, sucrose, fructose and α-glucoside (αMG) in relation to body mass index (BMI). EC cells released 5-HT only in response to 100 and 300 mM glucose (duodenum) and 300 mM glucose (colon), independently of osmolarity. Duodenal, but not colonic, EC cells also released 5-HT in response to sucrose and αMG, but did not respond to fructose. 5-HT content was similar in all EC cells in males, and colonic EC cells in females, but 3 to 4-fold higher in duodenal EC cells from overweight females (p < 0.05 compared to lean, obese). Glucose-evoked 5-HT release was 3-fold higher in the duodenum of overweight females (p < 0.05, compared to obese), but absent here in overweight males. Our data demonstrate that primary human EC cells respond directly to dietary glucose cues, with regional differences in selectivity for other sugars. Augmented glucose-evoked 5-HT release from duodenal EC is a feature of overweight females, and may be an early determinant of obesity.

Salivary alpha-amylase and hormones levels of young adults with different body composition.

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in salivary biomarker levels of young adults classified according to body fat accumulation. One hundred and thirty-four volunteers were evaluated (mean age 21 ± 2 years). Body composition was calculated through skinfold thickness: supra-iliac, biceps, and triceps, sub-scapular. Body fat percentage (BF%) was used to classify subjects according to fat tissue accumulation: normal-weight (n = 37, 19 females, 18 males), overweight (n = 42, 30 females, 12 males), and obese (n = 55, 42 females, 13 males). Saliva samples were collected 30 min after awakening to determine salivary levels of 17-beta-estradiol. For salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase activity (sAA) three samples were obtained, just after awakening, 30 min after awakening and at bedtime. Oral contraceptive intake was considered for the female group. The results showed that overweight and obese females using oral contraceptive presented lower levels of 17-β-estradiol than normal-weight females. In overweight and obese males, sAA levels were higher 30 min post-awakening when compared with the normal-weight group. The comparison of sAA levels within time showed no difference for males; obese females showed significant higher values at bedtime than 30 min post-awakening. The salivary cortisol concentration showed higher values at morning decreasing significantly at bedtime for all groups. Concluding, differences in 17-β-estradiol and sAA levels were found in females and males, respectively, according to body fat accumulation, showing the usefulness of salivary biomarkers in the study of systemic conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Saliva is an advantageous biological fluid in innovative methods for diagnosis. Besides being a noninvasive method, salivary steroid measurements have the potential to provide a convenient assessment of serum free steroid concentrations.

Prevalence: knowledge, attitude and management practices of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Amaoba Ikwuano Abia State Nigeria

Screening study of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was carried out in Amaoba Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and to access management practices of the diseases among the subject. Accu-check glucometer strip, blood pressure monitor, weighing balance, height metre were used for the study. Out of 260 subjects. 136(52.30%) were males and 124(47.70%) were female. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the study area was 35.38% and 32.31% respectively. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the study area indicated that males (41.3%) were more affected than females (29.03%). Also male subjects are more hypertensive (38.25%) than females (28.81%). There is no significant difference with respect to sex (p&lt; 0.05). Incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed that males within the age group of 61-70 years have the highest (38.89%) followed by females in the same age group (26.78%) and the least (2.94%) was among age group 20 -30 years in the study area. There was a significant difference between age and sex (p &lt; 0.05). Body Mass Index (BMI) according to sex in relation to diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed that majority of overweight males (67.85%) and females (65.38%) are diabetic. Questionnaire analysis showed that majority of respondents were aware of diabetes mellitus. Most subjects (64.62%) have not been previously diagnose of diabetes mellitus. Knowledge on hypertension showed that most (96.15%) are aware of the disease and majority (67.69%) have not been previously diagnosed of the disease. Some respondent believed that diabetes is mainly caused by consumption of starchy food (31.62%), others identified the cause of hypertension to be obesity (39.26%). Management of diabetes mellitus were identified to be adhering to diet (29.31%). Whereas the management of hypertension were identified to be maintaining normal weight (33.57%). High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and overweight are prevalent in the study area. There is need for proper health education in the communities for regular screening test and management practices to minimize or avert the risk of complications of late diagnosis.Keywords: Prevalence, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Management Practices

Prognostic Value of Ultrasound Stratigraphy in Long-Term Weight Loss: Results from a Nutritional Counseling Program

Background: Weight control through lifestyle interventions represents a suitable strategy to avoid the metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive comorbidities associated with overweight and obesity. Reduced testosterone (T) levels are a worsening factor in overweight males. However, prognostic parameters of long-term weight loss are not readily available. Here, we tested the prognostic value of early variations of anthropometric and hormonal parameters, with a focus on ultrasound stratigraphy (US) and the reduction in body mass index (BMI) associated with nutritional counseling/lifestyle interventions at 6-month follow-up. Methods: Ninety-five male subjects (BMI 25–34.9 kg/m²) who had undergone nutritional/lifestyle interventions, were retrospectively analyzed for: body weight and composition; US evaluation at the triceps (TRC), abdominal (ABD), and thigh (THI) areas; and circulating levels of T, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Sixty patients (63.2%) completed the 6-month follow-up program. Results: At 6 months, a significant reduction in BMI (26.38 ± 1.55 vs. 31.5 ± 5.0 basal, p < 0.001) and increase in T levels (18 ± 5.4 vs. 9.5 ± 2.3 nmol/L basal, p = 0.04) were observed. Subjects in the highest quartile of the BMI reduction at 6 months (ΔBMI 6 mo), compared to the lowest, showed a significant difference at the 2-month follow-up variation of BMI (p = 0.025), and fat and muscle thickness at the TRC (both p < 0.001) and ABD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) areas. Variation of TRC muscle thickness at 2 months was the only independent predictor of ΔBMI 6 mo in the multiple stepwise regression analysis. Conclusions: BMI evaluation and US represent useful monitoring tools in the follow-up of nutritional/lifestyle interventions for overweight-to-mildly obese patients. The important effects on motivation and adherence to the intervention program are to be considered.

The role of inflammatory markers following Ramadan Fasting.

Objectives:The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on plasma adiponectin and TNF-α levels.Methods:This is a cross sectional study, conducted at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST), Karachi, comprising a total of 55 (50%) females and 55 (50%) males whose ages ranged between 20 and 40 years, and fasted during Ramadan (June-July 2014) were enrolled in the study. Subjects were separated into normal weight, overweight and obese males and females. Anthropometric measurements and Fasting venous blood samples were taken at first and last (29th) day of Ramadan. Plasma adiponectin and TNF-alpha levels were assayed with ELISA kits. All values were calculated and presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) and by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. P values < 0.05 were accepted as significant.Results:Body mass index (BMI) (Kg/m2) in over-weight and obese male subjects exhibited considerable reduction (P<0.05; P<0.05), post Ramadan when compared to their respective pre Ramadan fasting weights. Noticeable and significant reduction was also observed in BMI of obese females (P<0.05). Post Ramadan Overweight Males (P<0.05) and Post Ramadan Obese Males (P<0.001) exhibited significantly elevated plasma adiponectin (μg/mL) values. While plasma adiponectin mean concentration of only obese females were significantly improved at last week of Ramadan (P<0.01). Fasting in Ramadan significantly decreased TNF-α (pg/mL) levels of post obese males and females than Pre-Ramadan-groups (P<0.05; P<0.01) respectively.Conclusion:The study reports of noticeable changes with Ramadan fasting resulting increase of plasma adiponectin and decrease of TNF-α levels as well as body weight. The study strongly suggests further investigations on larger sample sizes with possible association of dietary restrictions and weight loss on mechanism of enhanced adiponectin and reduced TNF-α in obese and overweight persons who fast on Ramadan pattern.

Assessment of Motor Performances in Italian Primary School Children: Results of SBAM Project

The aim of this study was to present the results of the triennial SBAM regional program aimed at monitoring 8-year old children in the Apulian region of Southern Italy from 2013 to 2016. The program included at launch 17,102 children in the first year, 16,104 children in the second year and 14,847 children in the third year. The sample who completed the monitoring was less than the number of children recruited for organizational and didactic reasons (N = 15,231, N = 14,147 and N = 13,362). SBAM was a multi-component program and included different integrated action plans: physical education, active transport (pedibus), and methods for developing healthy eating habits. For each year, four motor tests (long jump standing, shuttle run, 6 min walk test, and medicine ball throw), a motor coordination test and two self-reports for evaluating self-efficacy and enjoyment were proposed to all children. The results showed gender and group differences (normal-weight vs. overweight-obese) in both motor tests and self-reports (p 0.05). The annual results of the motor tests were sorted in deciles in order to have a regional observation and monitoring database concerning the motor development skills among children and preadolescents. Boys showed motor performance, perceived self-efficacy scores and enjoyment higher than females in three years. Growth influences the development of motor abilities; overweight and obese males and females showed a different development of motor performance that was lower than in children with a BMI in the norm. It is necessary to develop physical education in primary school, increasing opportunities and adapting them to the needs of all children. SBAM project highlighted the need to promote interdisciplinary and inter-institutional actions to promote child health and acquire physically active lifestyles.