Overweight Men Research Articles

Middle-aged Central American men’s perceptions of a healthy body weight, excess body weight and its relationship to chronic disease: Qualitative findings

Objective: To explore Central American men’s perceptions of healthy body weight, factors that influence weight gain and increase awareness of being overweight/obese, consequences of excess weight gain and gender similarities and differences in body weight. Design: In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with low-income, overweight or obese Central American men residing in the USA ( n = 25). Setting: Semi-structured, individual interviews (via Zoom or phone call) were conducted in Washington, DC in 2020–2021. Methods: Participants discussed their thoughts on the meaning of healthy weight; the role that weight management plays in the likelihood of getting diseases such as diabetes, cancer or hypertension; and whether having a healthy weight is different for men and women. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed to identify themes using NVivo v12. Results: Participants were first-generation immigrants (mean age 50.9 ± 6.4) and had resided in the USA for 23.7 ± 10.2 years. They defined healthy weight as having the energy to carry on daily activities, not carrying extra body fat, being in good physical health, and having a balance between height and weight. Participants discussed having an unbalanced diet, not engaging in physical activity and getting older influenced weight gain. Factors that raised awareness of their weight gain included doctors’ advice and cognisance of their current body weight. Participants in the study discussed the connection between weight status and some chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection); cancer was the least discussed. Participants discussed that both men and women should have a healthy weight and contributing factors to why men weigh more than women. Conclusion: Health promotion interventions for Central American immigrant men should consider framing weight management as a means to continue fulfilling important social and cultural roles and responsibilities. Future research should examine Central American men’s perceptions of weight management as part of cancer prevention.

Relationship between assesment of physical activity with body mass index and maximum oxygen volume in adult men with overweight and obesity

Background. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of early adult mortality, often originating in adolescence. Obesity a prevalent NCD, commonly develops during youth and can measured by body mass index (BMI). Objectives. This study was to describe the relationships between physical activity, as defined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), BMI, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in adult men who are overweight or obese. Materials and methods. This descriptive study utilized the IPAQ-SF, BMI, and VO2max data from 22 medical records of adult men who were overweight or obese, selected using a purposive sampling approach. Outcomes. Physical activity and BMI are negatively correlated, with a p-value of 0.000 and a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.989. Statistical significance is indicated by the p-value of 0.000, and the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.884 shows a strong positive association between VO2max and physical activity. BMI and VO2max are negatively correlated, with a p-value of 0.000 and a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.896. Conclusion. The study indicates a relationship between physical activity and BMI, as well as between physical activity and VO2max. Additionally, there is a relationship between BMI and VO2max. Overall, physical activity, BMI, and VO2max are interrelated in overweight or obese adult men.

Aspects of arterial hypertension in young adults with obesity

The global prevalence of hypertension and obesity continues to rise, affecting increasingly young people. Obesity causes hypertension through a variety of mechanisms, including sympathetic nervous system activation, renin angiotensin aldosterone system, fluid and electrolyte dysregulation, inflammation, and adipokine imbalance. In turn, arterial hypertension can exacerbate obesity by altering metabolic pathways and increasing appetite. The pathophysiological features of hypertension are different between young overweight women and men. We performed a non-systematic literature review to thoroughly investigate mechanisms of pathogenetic interaction and mutual aggravation of high blood pressure and body mass index. The literature was reviewed from 2004 to the present in Russian and English using the PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar platforms, as well as a search in the archives of the journals Circulation and Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention using the keywords listed below.

Effect of Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Training on Inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Overweight Men.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) training on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in overweight men. We divided 30 participants into EMS and control groups. The training program for the EMS group comprised 20 WB-EMS sessions (7 weeks, three sessions per week). The results showed that EMS training caused significant increase in interferon γ (P<0.001) and interleukin 10 (IL-10; P<0.01) and significant decrease in IL-17 and IL-23 (P<0.05). Also, the lipid profile showed significant positive changes in the EMS training group. EMS training, a novel exercise method that uses electric stimulation, can affect the levels of various cytokines that are involved in inflammation and immunity. EMS training can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the body depending on the type and balance of involved cytokines.

Effect of Adding Natural Honey Intake to Continuous Aerobic Exercise on Lipid Profile in Overweight Men

Effect of Adding Natural Honey Intake to Continuous Aerobic Exercise on Lipid Profile in Overweight Men

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Impact of Resistance Training versus Aerobic Training on the Management of FGF-21 and Related Physiological Variables in Obese Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance in health-related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. Despite the metabolic effects of resistance (RT) and aerobic training (AT) on diabetes symptoms, uncertainty exists regarding the superiority of effects manifested through these training approaches on FGF-21 and biochemical and physiological variables associated with metabolic disorders in men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week RT and AT on FGF-21 levels and symptoms associated with metabolic disorders in male individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Thirty-six sedentary obese diabetic men (40 to 45 years old) were matched based on the level of FGF-1. They and were randomly divided into two training groups (RT, n = 12 and AT, n = 12) performing three days per week of moderate-intensity RT or AT for 12 weeks and an inactive control group (n = 12). Both training interventions significantly improved FGF-21, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, hormonal changes, strength, and aerobic capacity. Subgroup analysis revealed that RT had greater adaptive responses (p < 0.01) in fasting blood sugar (ES = -0.52), HOMA-IR (ES = -0.87), testosterone (ES = 0.52), cortisol (ES = -0.82), FGF-21 (ES = 0.61), and maximal strength (ES = 1.19) compared to AT. Conversely, AT showed greater changes (p < 0.01) in cholesterol (ES = -0.28), triglyceride (ES = -0.64), HDL (ES = 0.46), LDL (ES = -0.73), and aerobic capacity (ES = 1.18) compared to RT. Overall, both RT and AT interventions yielded significant moderate to large ES in FGF-21 levels and enhanced the management of biochemical variables. RT is an effective method for controlling FGF-21 levels and glucose balance, as well as for inducing hormonal changes. On the other hand, AT is more suitable for improving lipid profiles in overweight men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Serum proteomic profiling of physical activity reveals CD300LG as a novel exerkine with a potential causal link to glucose homeostasis

Background:Physical activity has been associated with preventing the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, our understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remains incomplete and good biomarkers to objectively assess physical activity are lacking.Methods:We analyzed 3072 serum proteins in 26 men, normal weight or overweight, undergoing 12 weeks of a combined strength and endurance exercise intervention. We estimated insulin sensitivity with hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, maximum oxygen uptake, muscle strength, and used MRI/MRS to evaluate body composition and organ fat depots. Muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were used for mRNA sequencing. Additional association analyses were performed in samples from up to 47,747 individuals in the UK Biobank, as well as using two-sample Mendelian randomization and mice models.Results:Following 12 weeks of exercise intervention, we observed significant changes in 283 serum proteins. Notably, 66 of these proteins were elevated in overweight men and positively associated with liver fat before the exercise regimen, but were normalized after exercise. Furthermore, for 19.7 and 12.1% of the exercise-responsive proteins, corresponding changes in mRNA expression levels in muscle and fat, respectively, were shown. The protein CD300LG displayed consistent alterations in blood, muscle, and fat. Serum CD300LG exhibited positive associations with insulin sensitivity, and to angiogenesis-related gene expression in both muscle and fat. Furthermore, serum CD300LG was positively associated with physical activity and negatively associated with glucose levels in the UK Biobank. In this sample, the association between serum CD300LG and physical activity was significantly stronger in men than in women. Mendelian randomization analysis suggested potential causal relationships between levels of serum CD300LG and fasting glucose, 2 hr glucose after an oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c. Additionally, Cd300lg responded to exercise in a mouse model, and we observed signs of impaired glucose tolerance in male, but not female, Cd300lg knockout mice.Conclusions:Our study identified several novel proteins in serum whose levels change in response to prolonged exercise and were significantly associated with body composition, liver fat, and glucose homeostasis. Serum CD300LG increased with physical activity and is a potential causal link to improved glucose levels. CD300LG may be a promising exercise biomarker and a therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes.Funding:South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Simon Fougners Fund, Diabetesforbundet, Johan Selmer Kvanes’ legat til forskning og bekjempelse av sukkersyke. The UK Biobank resource reference 53641. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant (APP2017942). Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Award (DE220101226). Research Council of Norway (Project grant: 325640 and Mobility grant: 287198). The Medical Student Research Program at the University of Oslo. Novo Nordisk Fonden Excellence Emerging Grant in Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023 (NNF23OC0082123).Clinical trial number:clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01803568.

Daily Physical Activity Does Not Contribute to Differences in Muscle Oxidative Capacity Between Overweight and Obesity.

The interaction between physical activity, skeletal muscle health, and adiposity has been explored in normal weight and overweight/obesity grouped together; however, the overall risks associated with being overweight are less than those observed with obesity and can be confounded by disparities in both sex and race. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the intricate interplay of daily physical activity and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (SMOC) in overweight and obesity, while exploring how sex and race impact this dynamic relationship. One hundred and forty participants were grouped by body mass index (BMI) as overweight (n = 73; BMI >25-<30 kg/m2) or obese (n = 67; BMI ≥30 kg/m2). SMOC was assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy and daily physical activity was assessed for 7 days using accelerometry. Overweight individuals exhibited a higher (p = 0.004) SMOC and engaged in more (p = 0.007) vigorous physical activity compared to obese individuals. In addition, SMOC was lower (p = 0.005) in obese non-Hispanic Black (NHB) men compared to overweight NHB men. No relationships between physical activity and SMOC were observed. Physical activity is not associated with differences in SMOC in overweight and obesity. Obese individuals engage in less vigorous physical activity and exhibit lower SMOC compared to overweight individuals and these differences are emphasised in NHB men.

Influence of male body mass index on semen analysis parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Concurrent global increase of prevalence of obesity and male fertility implies link between overweight and obesity with male subfertility. This hypothesis is supported by numerous population-based epidemiological studies. Increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor sperm quality in fertile, and more noticeable in infertile men. Nevertheless, some studies disprove damaging effect of BMI on semen quality. To examine the influence of men's BMI in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) on semen analysis parameters and IVF outcomes. Study encompassed all couples who underwent IVF at Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic Narodni Front in Belgrade during 2018 and 2019. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, conditions and diseases that could affect the semen analysis parameters (diabetes, malignant diseases treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy, trauma or surgery of the genital organs, mumps or undescended testicles in childhood). Evaluated semen analysis parameters included semen ejaculate volume, sperm pH, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. IVF outcomes comprised total number of embryos, number and percentage of obtained good-quality embryos and clinical pregnancy rates. Based on BMI value, participants were divided into a group of underweight (Group 1), normally weight (Group 2), overweight (Group 3), and obese men (Group 4). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 411 men (couples) were included in the analysis. The largest number of men were overweight, while the smallest belonged to the group of underweight participants. There are no significant differences in the semen analysis parameters between study groups. Correlation analysis shown weak and insignificant correlation between BMI and semen analysis parameters. The number and proportion of good quality embryos is significantly lower in overweight and obese study groups compared to normal weight and underweight groups (2.89, 2.91, 2.42, and 2.36, respectively, P = .041). The differences in other IVF outcomes: total number of embryos (3.61, 3.74, 3.21, and 3.37, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rates (41.26%, 43.09%, 42.78%, and 39.95%, respectively) between study groups were not significant (P > .05). BMI does not significantly affect semen analysis parameters, but a higher BMI is associated with a lower number and proportion of good quality embryos in IVF outcomes.

The influence of vigorous physical exertion on cardiac demand under conditions of daily living among firefighters with elevated blood pressure

BackgroundFirefighters have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The poor heart health of firefighters is implicated in their increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Exercise may be protective against SCD partially due to the immediate blood pressure (BP) reductions of 5–8 mmHg following exercise, termed postexercise hypotension (PEH) ObjectivesTo examine PEH under ambulatory conditions after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) among career firefighters MethodsFirefighters (n = 19) completed a maximal CPET and non-exercise control (CONTROL) in random order on separate non-workdays and left the laboratory instrumented to an ambulatory BP (ABP) monitor. Ambulatory systolic BP (ASBP), diastolic BP (ADBP), and heart rate (AHR) were recorded at hourly intervals over 19hr. The ambulatory rate pressure product (ARPP) was calculated as ASBPxAHRx10–3 at each hourly interval. Repeated measures ANCOVA tested if the ABP, AHR, and ARPP responses differed after CPET vs CONTROL over 19hr ResultsFirefighters were middle-aged (39.5 ± 8.9 yr), overweight (29.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2) men with elevated BP (123.1 ± 9.6/79.8 ± 10.4 mmHg), while resting HR (67.7 ± 11.3 bpm) and RPP (8.4 ± 1.7mmHg*bpm*10–3) were in normal ranges. ASBP (16.6 ± 5.7 mmHg) and ADBP (3.1 ± 4.6 mmHg) increased after the CPET vs CONTROL over 19hr (ps<0.01), as did AHR (9.4 ± 7.9 bpm, p = 0.02) and ARPP (2.5 ± 1.1mmHg*bpm*10–3, p < 0.01). ConclusionsUnexpectedly, the firefighters exhibited postexercise hypertension rather than PEH. The increases in ABP and AHR we observed indicated a sustained increase in cardiac demand. Further investigation is needed to confirm our findings and determine whether the adverse hemodynamic responses we observed contribute to the high prevalence of SCD that firefighters experience on the job.

Self-assessment of health and care for health among employed men in Poland

Objectives. Self-assessment of health is one of the most important factors determining manifestations in care for health, expressed in health-promoting behaviours. The way a person takes care of their health affects not only their health but also their well-being, quality of life and work ability. This study aimed to present results regarding self-assessment of health and care for health and the relationship with work ability in a group of working men aged 20–65 years. Methods. The sample of 600 men were assessed using a survey. The work ability index was used to measure work ability. An original survey was developed, which included questions about self-assessment of health and taking care of health, motives for taking care of health, physical activity, healthy eating and smoking. Results. Most men rated their health well and declared that they took care of it. Low health scores were obtained among overweight men, men without physical activity, men with unhealthy nutrition and smokers. High self-rated health was associated with good work ability. Conclusions. There is a constant need to make men of all ages aware of the role of individual health care in maintaining good health and high work ability.

Age at pubarche and the risk of developing cardiometabolic complications among 50–52-year-old men from Krakow Longitudinal Study (Poland)

Despite contradictory observations, it has been postulated that early age of adrenarche predisposes to an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications in further ontogeny due to greater body fatness. The aim of this study was to test the above postulates. We present the results of research on 67 men aged 50–52 – participants of the Krakow Longitudinal Study conducted in the years 1976–2022 – from two birth cohorts 1970 and 1972. Boys were examined annually, aged 6–18, initially 940 people, at the age of eighteen – 358. They were examined again as adult men in 2004 (age 32–34) – 122 people and again in 2022 (age 50–52 years) 67 men. Based on the pubarcheal age, 50-year-olds were divided into 3 groups: early (11 people), average maturing (44 people) and (12 people), where the following were compared: resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, basic parameters lipid profile – total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, fasting glucose, body height and weight, waist and hip circumferences, indicators – Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist–hip Ratio (WHR), the thickness of 6 skinfolds and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The results of the analyses showed that: (1) there is a clear gradation, i.e., the earlier the age of pubarche, the worse the metabolic health of men; (2) compared to the other groups, the total adiposity in men with early pubarche is slightly higher, with clearly marked abdominal obesity; BMI and WHR showed a contrasting picture. At this stage of the analyses, it is difficult to clearly judge whether the cause of the increased cardiometabolic risk in the studied men with early pubarche is related to earlier age of adrenarche and the mechanisms and stimuli causing it, or to greater adiposity.

Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 probiotic supplementation on circulating IGFBP-2 levels during a calorie-restricted diet in overweight humans

Background and aimGut microbiota influences energy homeostasis in part through circulating hormones. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 is a biomarker whose increase in systemic circulation is associated with positive effects on body weight and metabolism. In a recent clinical trial, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 supplementation showed positive effects on eating behaviors and insulin resistance in overweight participants undergoing a weight-loss intervention. In this context, this ancillary study aimed at assessing the impact of L. rhamnosus HA-114 supplementation on plasma IGFBP-2 levels in these individuals, and whether this modulation correlated with changes in fat mass, energy metabolism, and eating behaviors. MethodsFasting plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations were quantified in 100 overweight or obese men and women enrolled in a 12-week diet-based weight reduction program (−500 kcal/day), in combination with probiotic L. rhamnosus HA-114 or placebo supplementation. Baseline and changes in circulating IGFBP-2 concentrations were correlated with anthropometric parameter, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiorespiratory function and eating behaviors. ResultsOn average, the intervention reduced BMI by 4.6 % and increased IGFBP-2 by 13 %, regardless of supplementation group. Individuals who presented an increase in IGFBP-2 levels had significantly greater reductions in BMI. Changes in IGFBP-2 levels were correlated with loss in fat mass (r = 0.2, p < 0.001) in the probiotic-supplemented group, but not with other metabolic parameters or eating behaviors. Baseline IGFBP-2 levels were not associated with weight loss or improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. ConclusionProbiotic supplementation with L. rhamnosus HA-114 did not modulate plasma IGFBP-2 levels. Changes in IGFBP-2 levels were correlated with greater reductions in BMI, but not with other metabolic parameters or eating behaviors, indicating that the benefits of HA-114 on eating behaviors are likely independent of IGFBP-2. Additional changes in microbiota might be required to modulate IGFBP-2 and observe its associations with eating behaviors and cardiometabolic improvements.

Metabolic Response to Androgen Deprivation Therapy of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PC) stands as the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer and ranks as the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. For those facing non-metastatic PC necessitating intervention, solely local treatments may not suffice, leading to a possible transition toward systemic therapies, including androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy, and therapies targeting androgen. Yet, these systemic treatments often bring about considerable adverse effects. Additionally, it is observed that overweight men are at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of PC, advancing to metastatic stages, and succumbing to the disease. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for new treatment options that carry fewer side effects and enhance the current standard treatments, particularly for the majority of American men who are overweight or obese. In this article, we will review the metabolic response to ADT and how lifestyle modulation can mitigate these ADT-associated metabolic responses with a particular focus on the two clinical trials, Carbohydrate and Prostate Study 1 (CAPS1) and Carbohydrate and Prostate Study 2 (CAPS2), which tested the effects of low-carbohydrate diets on the metabolic side effects of ADT and PC progression, respectively. Furthermore, we will summarize the findings of serum metabolomic studies to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which ADT and low-carbohydrate diets can affect the metabolic response to mitigate the metabolic side effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy.

High‐intensity interval training impacts skeletal muscle core clock in overweight and obese men with insulin resistance

High‐intensity interval training impacts skeletal muscle core clock in overweight and obese men with insulin resistance

Salivary testosterone changes during oral glucose tolerance tests in overweight and obese men - postprandial or circadian variation?

Serum total testosterone (T) decreases postprandially. Postprandial salivary testosterone (SalT) responses, however, have not been studied. We report on the effect of glucose ingestion on fasting SalT concentrations. To investigate the effect of oral glucose ingestion on fasting SalT. Salivary and blood samples were collected between 09.00 and 09.30 and two hours after a 75g oral glucose load in 32 men with mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (5.7) years and body mass index of 32.6 (5.56) kg/m2. Free T and bioavailable testosterone (BAT) were calculated using the Vermeulen equation. Two hours following oral glucose, there was a decrease in fasting mean (standard deviation) SalT [178.2 (56.6) vs 146.0 (42.2) pmol/L; p = 0.0003], serum cortisol [332 (105.0) vs 239 (75.3) nmol/L; p = <0.0001], prolactin [193 (75.0) vs 127 (55.9) mIU/L; p = <0.0001] and TSH [1.60 (0.801) vs 1.16 (0.584) mIU/L; p = <0.0001]. Plasma glucose increased [6.2 (0.72) vs 8.1 (3.71) mmol/L; p = 0.0029]. Serum total T, SHBG, albumin, Free T, BAT, gonadotrophins and FT4 remained unchanged. SalT decreased postprandially. A concomitant decrease in serum cortisol, prolactin and TSH reflecting diurnal variation offers an alternative explanation for the decrease in SalT independent of food consumption. Further studies are required to determine whether morning temporal changes in SalT are related to food consumption or circadian rhythm or both.

DOES EXERCISE PRESERVE FAT FREE MASS DURING A VERY LOW ENERGY DIET IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Obesity is a major comorbidity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), contributing to 58% of moderate to severe cases in adults. Very low energy diets (VLED) are effective for rapidly reducing weight however are associated with a greater fat free mass reduction compared to other energy restricted diets. Exercise may protect against this and has been shown to improve apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) independently of weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerability of rapid weight loss induced by VLED with or without high-intensity functional exercise in overweight and obese men with OSA. METHODS This two-arm open-label pilot randomised trial included 20 participants with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 and moderate to severe OSA. Patients were randomised to VLED-only (VO) or VLED plus exercise (VEX) for 12-weeks. Both groups followed a VLED providing &amp;lt;800kcal/day for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week refeeding period. The VEX group also participated in supervised high-intensity functional exercise training consisting of resistance and aerobic training of up to 5 days per week. RESULTS A total weight loss of -14.5kg [95%CI -17.5 to -11.5] and -9.3kg FM [95%CI -11.0 to -7.6] was achieved (measured by DEXA). Fat-free mass (FFM) reduction occurred (-3.9kg [95%CI -5.5 to -2.3]), with a trend towards preservation in the VEX group. The VO group reduced AHI by 42.9%, moving from severe to moderate OSA. The VEX group’s AHI change (-32.6%) approached but did not reach the moderate category post-intervention. CONCLUSION The VLED, with or without exercise, proved feasible and well-tolerated and demonstrated positive outcomes in body composition and AHI. The VEX group suggested a potential trend in preserving FFM compared to the VO group. These results are promising, indicating the need for a larger, definitive trial to confirm these findings and explore the impact of exercise on FFM preservation in this population.

The effect of overweight and obesity on the severity of manifestations of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis with an inflammatory component

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis is one of the most common urological diseases of young and middle-aged men. The variety of pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical manifestations, the tendency to recurrence necessitates the search for new methods of examination and monitoring of this disease. AIM: To identify the characteristics of the clinical manifestations of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with an inflammatory component in men of the first period of adulthood, depending on the body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive urological examination was carried out on 150 men with CNVC in the first period of adulthood, aged 22 to 35 years. All patients were assessed for hormonal status, as well as anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: Men with normal body mass index had milder clinical symptoms of prostatitis compared with overweight and obese patients. The results of laboratory studies demonstrated a more pronounced inflammatory process and dysfunction of the prostate in patients with a higher body mass index. Analysis of hormonal status revealed high levels of total and free testosterone and low levels of estradiol in men with normal body mass index. The content of sex hormone-binding globulin was significantly lower in obese patients. Overweight and obese men also had larger prostate volume according to TRUS. CONCLUSIONS: More severe manifestations of prostatitis are associated with an increase in body mass index.

Assessing the role of biomarker feedback in a 12-week community weight management programme among overweight men: A pilot study.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and delivery of biomarker feedback among men partaking in Shape Up, a physical activity for health programme. Secondarily, it explored the potential effects of biomarker feedback on participants' adherence and motivation levels. In this two-arm non-randomised pilot study, 46 men (mean±SD age 46.0±8.6 years) participating in the 12-week Shape Up programme were assigned to a control group or biomarker feedback group. Biomarker feedback consisted of 3 blood test panels: at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up), each with a doctor's report. Both groups completed questionnaires (Short Active Lives Survey [SALS], Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire [TSRQ], and EQ-5D-5L) to gauge levels of motivation and engagement. The mean difference was calculated between baseline and programme end. Recruitment, retention, and attendance rates were determined. Mean recruitment (approach-to-consent), retention, and attendance rates were 96.3%, 92.3%, and 83.7% in the control group, and 85.2%, 86.2%, and 81.5% in the biomarker feedback group, respectively. Of biomarker feedback group participants, 86.4% attended their 12-week blood test and 45.5% attended their follow-up blood test. The mean 12-week differences (95% CI) for the control group and biomarker feedback group were 138.1 (2.7, 273.5) and 467.3 (249.4, 685.2) for active minutes per week, 0.2 (-0.8, 1.2) and 0.4 (0.0, 0.8) for autonomous TSRQ domains, 0.2 (-0.3, 0.8) and 0.8 (0.1, 1.4) for controlled TSRQ domains, and 19 (12.7, 26.5) and 27.2 (19.8, 34.6) for EQ-5D-5L scores, respectively. Biomarker feedback was well-received by participants and deemed feasible, with high recruitment and retention rates for the duration of the 12-week programme. Biomarker feedback may affect aspects of motivation but did not appear to influence adherence to the programme. Biomarker data may provide additional evidence of programme efficacy. Important design considerations are provided for definitive larger-scale trials.

Randomised, double-blind, parallel group comparison of Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) chalcone effects on visceral fat areas and waist circumference of overweight persons

This randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study aimed to determine whether encapsulated Ashitaba chalcone (16 mg comprising 10.1 mg 4-hydroxyderricin and 5.9 mg xanthoangelol) could reduce obesity in 17 men and 25 women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to < 30. Participants ingested capsules containing either the chalcone or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in visceral fat areas determined by computed tomography (CT) at baseline, and at 8 and 12 weeks later. The primary endpoint, abdominal visceral fat area, was significantly reduced in the chalcone, compared with a placebo group 12 weeks after screening (p < 0.05). The secondary endpoint, waist circumference, was significantly decreased in the chalcone, compared with the placebo group at weeks 8 and 12 (p < 0.05 at week 8; p < 0.01 at week 12). Therefore, Ashitaba chalcone has anti-obesity benefits for overweight men and women.