BMI Variables Research Articles

Variation of Body Mass Index and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate among Medical Students of CMH Lahore Medical College

Objective: To find out the variation of body mass index and peak expiratory flow rate among medical students of Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted by undergraduate students of CMH, at CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry in September 2019 after Ethical approval from the Ethical Review Committee of the same institution. There were 138 1st year medical students. Demographic profiles of all the students were taken and height, weight, BMI, PEFR were measured. Participants were classified on the basis of their BMI values. Underweight (BMI<18.5), normal weight (18.5≤ BMI≤ 24.9), overweight (25≤ BM≤ 29.9), and obese (BMI≥ 30). Correlational tests were applied to find out any statistically significant correlations. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean BMI in females was 23.16±6.01 corresponding with that of mean PEFR value 325.23±62.30 whereas in males the mean BMI was 22.65±3.11 corresponding with that of mean PEFR value 433.97±101.84. There is a statistically significant variation in PEFR with gender (r=0.540, p=0.001) which can be explained on ethnic backgrounds. Males had a higher PEFR than females. However, there was no significant correlation between BMI and PEFR. Also, gender was not related to BMI. Conclusion: In our study, PEFR is not affected by variation in BMI. However, gender is associated with PEFR. Males have a higher PEFR than females. This can be explained on the basis of ethnicity. BMI is not associated with gender. A large sample size with more accurate calculation of PEFR is needed for better evaluation. Keywords: Obesity and lung function, PEFR and BMI, BMI and gender How to cite: Ijaz F, Hafeez F, Bashir I, Aftab RK, Malik SA.Variation of body mass index and peak expiratory flow rate among medical students of CMH Lahore medical college. J SIMS Esculapio.2021;17(1):100-103

Body Composition Changes in Gastric Cancer Patients during Preoperative FLOT Therapy: Preliminary Results of an Italian Cohort Study.

Background: The impact of the new chemotherapy, fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) on body composition in gastric cancer (GC) patients remains unknown. We assessed body composition changes of GC patients receiving the FLOT regimen and their impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: Preoperative pre- and post-FLOT computed tomography (CT) scans of advanced GC patients were studied. Lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) and adipose indices were calculated before and after FLOT. Results: A total of 26 patients were identified between April 2019 and January 2020. Nineteen patients were sarcopenic at diagnosis. The mean BMI decreased (from 24.4 ± 3.7 to 22.6 ± 3.1; p < 0.0001) as well as the SMI (from 48.74 ± 9.76 to 46.52 ± 9.98; p = 0.009) and visceral adipose index (VAI) (from 49.04 ± 31.06 to 41.99 ± 23.91; p = 0.004) during preoperative FLOT therapy. BMI, SMI, and VAI variations were not associated with toxicity, Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), response, delay and completion of perioperative FLOT chemotherapy, and the execution of gastrectomy; a decrease of SMI ≥ 5% was associated with a higher Mandard tumor regression grade (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Almost three-quarters (73.1%) of GC patients were sarcopenic at diagnosis. Preoperative FLOT was associated with a further reduction in SMI, BMI, and VAI. These changes were not associated with short-term outcomes.

BMI variation, dietary patterns and physical activity among adults aged 21-44 years

The scope of this article is to describe the association between BMI variation, eating patterns and physical activity among adults between 21 and 44 years of age from 2007 to 2012. It is a cross-sectional study using the VIGITEL database. Eating patterns were identified with Principal Components Analysis for the period from 2007 to 2012. Components with eigenvalues >1.0 were retained and factor loadings greater than |0.3| were highlighted. For each individual, a score was calculated per pattern. The Body Mass Index (ΔBMI) difference variable was then created. Linear regression with ΔBMI outcome and Poisson regression with obesity outcomes were conducted. Four eating patterns were retained: Prudent, Transition, Western and Traditional. After multivariate adjustment, ΔBMI was inversely associated with the habit of leisure-time physical activity. Obesity revealed a positive association with the Western pattern, watching television ≥3 hours a day and physical inactivity. Obesity was inversely associated with the Prudent pattern, the Traditional pattern, the practice of leisure-time physical activity and the habit of physical activity at work. Eating patterns based on unprocessed and minimally processed foods and practice of physical activity are protective factors against obesity.

Some Haematological Parameters of the Elderly in Sokoto, Nigeria

The assessment of haematological parameters is very necessary because, they are important proxy indicators useful in the assessment of immune status, therapeutic purposes and monitoring of disease progression and treatment outcome for proper patient management. This study was aimed at determining some haematological parameters in apparently healthy elderly persons living in Sokoto, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 105 apparently healthy elderly persons living in Sokoto. Elderly persons aged 60years and above were recruited for the study. Full blood counts (FBC) were determined using five part haematological analyser by Mindray, Germany. Data were analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Haematological parameters showed distinct differences with some local reference ranges. This study found out that the values of WBC, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Monocyte, RDW-CV, Platelet Count, MPV, PDW and Plateletcrit were within the normal range in according to reference ranges used in Sokoto. While the values of RBC, HCT, MCHC, MCH and MCV were lower based on reference values used in Sokoto. However, RDW-CV was raised. There were statistical significant increases in mean values of Hb, HCT and MCV among male than females in Sokoto metropolis (p&lt;0.05). There was statistical significant increases in mean values of PLT count among females than males in (p&lt;0.05). There were statistical differences in mean values of Neutrophil, RBC, HCT, PLT and PCT among different age groups in Sokoto metropolis (p&lt;0.05). There were statistical differences in mean values of WBC, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, RDW-CV, PLT, PDW and PCT among different groups of BMI in Sokoto metropolis (p&lt;0.05). It was observed that monocyte increased significantly with BMI from normal weight to obesity (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, this study established a baseline data for FBC in elderly in Sokoto. Some of the parameters under study vary with local reference range. Elderly have lower haemoglobin and HCT. There is age, gender and BMI variation in the parameters studied. There is need to establish a different reference ranges for elderly in a given location for proper understanding and management of elderly population in our society.

Omitting the Obvious: Cohort Effects in 19th and 20th Century BMI Variation

Peer and cohort effects are important in health economics, and obesity may be related to social relationships, where obese individuals interact with other obese individuals. There were significant 19th century cohort effects, where BMIs were related to the cohort that an individual belonged. After accounting for individual relationships between BMI, demographic, socioeconomic, and residential characteristics, there were significant cohort effects associated with race, residence, and age. Moreover, cohort effects reduce the size of the individual relationships between BMI, race, and age, but results are mixed for BMI and residence. This indicates that historical cohort effects are important in BMI and obesity studies.

Presentation of an open entry technique for laparoscopy through a congenital defect in the umbilical fascia

ObjectiveWe present and describe a modification of the Hasson open entry technique to gain access to the abdominal cavity for laparoscopy in which a congenital defect in the umbilical fascia is identified for entry into the peritoneum and insertion of the primary port. MethodsA single centre, prospective, observational, pilot study has been conducted with no change in clinical practice. Data regarding the success of the technique, time to laparoscope insertion, complications and patient risk factors were collected and presented. ResultsThe team enrolled 114 patients that had the St Helier technique attempted for entry in the abdominal cavity. Entry was achieved for all patients. The technique had 82.5 % success rate while this reduced to 65 % in patients with previous laparoscopies. The mean time to insertion of the laparoscope was 220 s, and there was no significant difference in success with variation in BMI. We recorded no minor or significant intra-operative complications. The superficial wound infection rate was 2.6 % with no other postoperative complications identified at 6-week follow-up. ConclusionsThe presented technique is a safe and successful method of laparoscopic entry with a presumed shorter time until laparoscope insertion than other techniques used. The absence of complications could be attributed to the avoidance of sharp dissection of the umbilical fascia. The less invasive nature could reduce risks of hematoma, infection or hernia that are associated with the standard entry techniques used. Formal studies of long-term outcomes are required, as well as evaluating use in emergency and contaminated cases.

GALNT2 Gene Variant rs4846914 Is Associated with Insulin and Insulin Resistance Depending on BMI in PCOS Patients: a Case-Control Study.

GALNT2 is a GalNAc transferase that regulates insulin signaling, lipogenesis, and serum lipid fractions. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of GALNT2 rs2144300 and rs4846914 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and related traits. The two SNPs were genotyped in 616 PCOS patients and 482 control subjects. Genetic associations with related traits were also analyzed. The genotype distributions of the two SNPs in PCOS patients were similar to those of normal controls. However, significant differences were noted across the three groups of genotypes with respect to the examined variables. In the PCOS group, subjects with genotype AA at the rs4846914 SNP exhibited an increased fasting serum insulin and homeostasis model insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index compared with that of corresponding GG or GA genotype carriers (all P < 0.05). When PCOS patients were further separated into obese and non-obese subgroups, the genotype-related effects on insulin and HOMA-IR were more obvious, and variations in BMI and FSH levels were exclusively observed in obese PCOS subjects (all P < 0.05). In addition, fasting plasma glucose levels were affected by the genotypes of the rs2144300 SNP in normal control women (P < 0.05). rs4846914 and rs2144300 polymorphisms in the GALNT2 gene are associated with insulin and HOMA-IR, BMI, and FSH levels in obese PCOS patients and glucose levels in normal control women, respectively, but not with PCOS. GALNT2 rs4846914 AA carrier status may be associated with insulin resistance and related traits in obese patients.

266 Poster - Impact of BMI on the outcome of metastatic breast cancer patients treated with everolimus: A retrospective exploratory analysis of the BALLET study

Introduction Reliable biomarkers of response to mTOR inhibition are yet to be identified. As mTOR is heavily implicated in cell-metabolism, we investigated the relation between BMI variation and outcomes in metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients treated with everolimus. Results we found a linear correlation between everolimus exposure duration and BMI/weight decrease. Patients exhibiting >2 kg weight loss or >3% BMI decrease from baseline at the end of treatment (EOT) had a statistically significant improvement in PFS. Interestingly, a similar BMI/weight decrease within the first 8 weeks of therapy identified patients at higher risk of progression. Patients and methods we performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in the BALLET trial who progressed during the study. Primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end-point was the identification of other predictors of response. Conclusion A >3% weight loss at EOT is associated with better outcome in mBC patients treated with everolimus. On the contrary, a significant early weight loss represents a predictor of poor survival and could therefore be used as an early negative prognostic marker. As PI3K-inhibition also converges onto mTOR, these findings might extend to patients treated with selective PI3K inhibitors and warrant further investigation.

Differential long noncoding RNA profiling of BMI in twins.

Aim: Many efforts have been deployed to identify genetic variants associated with BMI. Alternatively, we explore epigenetic contribution to BMI variation by focusing on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which represents a key layer of epigenetic control. Materials & methods: We analyzed lncRNA expression in whole blood of 229 monozygotic twin pairs in association with BMI using generalized estimating equations. Results & conclusion: Six lncRNA probes were identified as significant (false discovery rate<0.05), with BMI showing causal effects on the expression of the significant lncRNAs. Functional annotation of differential profiles identified Gene ontology biological processes including kidney development, regulations of lipid biosynthetic process, circadian rhythm, notch signaling, etc. Whole blood lncRNAs are significantly expressed in response to BMI variation.

Peer effects on student weight: randomization evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates peer effects on student weight. Taking advantage of a national survey of middle schools in China, we exploit the BMI variation in randomly assigned classrooms. We find that having heavier peer classmates significantly increases a student’s body weight. The results are consistent across various robustness checks based on a standardized measurement of BMI, alternative peer measures, a spurious correlation with height, and the validity of the instruments. Peer effects are more pronounced among female students, nonlocal students, rural students, and students with longer exposure to classmates. The quantile analysis suggests that the peer effect is stronger at the lower end of the BMI distribution. These findings confirm the presence of social multiplier effects in middle schools, which is helpful in establishing health policies for reducing student overweight.

Impact of BMI on the outcome of metastatic breast cancer patients treated with everolimus: a retrospective exploratory analysis of the BALLET study.

Introduction: Reliable biomarkers of response to mTOR inhibition are yet to be identified. As mTOR is heavily implicated in cell-metabolism, we investigated the relation between BMI variation and outcomes in metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients treated with everolimus.Results: we found a linear correlation between everolimus exposure duration and BMI/weight decrease. Patients exhibiting >2 kg weight loss or >3% BMI decrease from baseline at the end of treatment (EOT) had a statistically significant improvement in PFS. Interestingly, a similar BMI/weight decrease within the first 8 weeks of therapy identified patients at higher risk of progression.Patients and methods: we performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in the BALLET trial who progressed during the study. Primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end-point was the identification of other predictors of response.Conclusion: A >3% weight loss at EOT is associated with better outcome in mBC patients treated with everolimus. On the contrary, a significant early weight loss represents a predictor of poor survival and could therefore be used as an early negative prognostic marker. As PI3K-inhibition also converges onto mTOR, these findings might extend to patients treated with selective PI3K inhibitors and warrant further investigation

Nutritional status among tribal women in Maharashtra, India: Spatial variations and determinants

BackgroundTribals are intrinsically isolated and socially disadvantage groups currently living in India. Health parameters like nutritional deficiency leads them to several health consequences. Main objectives on which study is based, was to know prevalence and determinants of nutritional status among tribal women in Maharashtra. Data sources and methodologyData of 3923 tribal women from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), was used. Bi-variate and Logistic regression was calculated using a statistical tools linked with nutritional status. A spatial tool (ArcGIS) was used to study spatial variation of BMI & Anaemia in Maharashtra. ResultsThe prevalence of underweight is lower among tribal women but more than half of the total women are anaemic, less than 6% of obesity among them in Maharashtra. In the spatial analysis, predominant results of any anaemia of tribal women were found in the Northwest districts of Maharashtra. The highest (2.5–4.6%) and the moderate percentage (1.5–2.5%) of severe anaemia, and obesity were found in almost all the districts located in western Maharashtra, whereas the prevalence of high (48–62%) and moderate (35–48%) underweight was found dispersedly throughout Maharashtra. ConclusionTribal community in India is most susceptible in terms of social, health and education development. The government needs to focus on regional and community-based development approach for overall health improvement among tribal women in Maharashtra. These results may help policymakers to prepare apt strategies for the overall development of health among the people in general and tribal women in particular.

Association between the school environment and children's body mass index in Terengganu: A cross sectional study.

With the on-going interest in implementing school policies to address the problem of childhood obesity in Malaysia, there is urgent need for information about the association between school environment and children’s weight status. This study aims to investigate the association between school environmental factors (physical, economic, political and sociocultural) with BMI of school children in Terengganu. The school environment factors were assessed using a set of validated whole-school environmental mapping questionnaires, consisting of 76 criteria with four domains; physical environment (41 criteria), economic environment (nine criteria), political environment (nine criteria) and sociocultural environment (17 criteria). This involved face-to-face interview sessions with 32 teachers from 16 schools (eight rural and eight urban). In addition, 400 school children aged between 9 and 11 years of the selected schools were assessed for BMI (WHO 2007 reference chart), dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)) and physical activity level (physical activity questionnaire for children (PAQ-C)). Multiple regression was used to examine the association between school environment factors and BMI of the school children. Seven school environment criteria were found to be associated with BMI of school children when it was adjusted for calorie intake and physical activity level. About 33.4% of the variation in BMI of school children was explained by health professional involvement, simple exercise before class, encouragement to walk/ride bicycle to/from school, no high-calorie food sold, healthy options of foods and drinks at tuck shop, availability of policy on physical activity and training teacher as a role model. Policy makers should make urgent actions to address the obesogenic features of school environments. It should strive towards setting up healthy school environment and improving school curricula to promote healthy behaviours among the school children.

The Role of Genetic Variation of BMI, Body Composition, and Fat Distribution for Mental Traits and Disorders: A Look-Up and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Anthropometric traits and mental disorders or traits are known to be associated clinically and to show genetic overlap. We aimed to identify genetic variants with relevance for mental disorders/traits and either (i) body mass index (or obesity), (ii) body composition, (and/or) (iii) body fat distribution. We performed a look-up analysis of 1,005 genome-wide significant SNPs for BMI, body composition, and body fat distribution in 15 mental disorders/traits. We identified 40 independent loci with one or more SNPs fulfilling our threshold significance criterion (P < 4.98 × 10–5) for the mental phenotypes. The majority of loci was associated with schizophrenia, educational attainment, and/or intelligence. Fewer associations were found for bipolar disorder, neuroticism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms, and well-being. Unique associations with measures of body fat distribution adjusted for BMI were identified at five loci only. To investigate the potential causality between body fat distribution and schizophrenia, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. We found no causal effect of body fat distribution on schizophrenia and vice versa. In conclusion, we identified 40 loci which may contribute to genetic overlaps between mental disorders/traits and BMI and/or shape related phenotypes. The majority of loci identified for body composition overlapped with BMI loci, thus suggesting pleiotropic effects.

Impact of Depression on Weight Variation after Bariatric Surgery: A Three-Year Observational Study

Introduction: The association between obesity and depression has been repeatedly established. However, little is known about the impact that the diagnosis of depression before bariatric surgery (DDBS) may have on weight loss. Objective: To evaluate the impact of DDBS on weight outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study of patients submitted to BS. Patients with no weight, no current medication data, or those submitted to revision surgery were excluded. Patients were considered to have DDBS based on taking antidepressants prior to BS or if there was a medical history of past or current depression. Patients with and without a depression history were compared using independent t test. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to evaluate predictors of weight variation (variables included: age, sex, and type of surgery). Results: A total of 616 patients did not have a history of depression and 230 had DDBS. There was a statistically significant difference in the BMI variation between groups. On average, individuals with DDBS lost 1.4 kg/m² less than those without DDBS. In the multivariate analysis, the group with DDBS, compared with the group without DDBS, presented on average less –0.9 kg/m² (95% CI –1.7 to –0.2, p = 0.018) BMI variation. Conclusion: DDBS is a predictor of lower weight loss after the surgical procedure. Even after adjusting for confounding variables such as age, sex, and BS type, this effect remains.

Understanding local ethnic inequalities in childhood BMI through cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected local data

BackgroundLocal-level analysis of ethnic inequalities in health is lacking, prohibiting a comprehensive understanding of the health needs of local populations and the design of effective health services. Knowledge of ethnic disparities in child weight status is particularly limited by overlooking both the heterogeneity within ethnic groupings; and the complex ecological contexts in which obesity arises. This study aimed to establish whether there was variation in childhood BMI across ethnic groups in Coventry, and the influence of individual, school and neighbourhood contexts, using routinely collected local data.MethodsNational Child Measurement Programme data were compiled for the period 2007/8–2014/15 and combined with routinely collected local data reflecting school performance and demographics, and school and neighbourhood physical environments. Multi-level modelling using Monte Carlo Markov Chain methods was used to account for the clustering of children within schools and neighbourhoods. Ethnic group differences in BMI z-score (zBMI) were explored at 4–5 years and 10–11 years for girls and boys alongside individual, school and neighbourhood covariates.ResultsAt age 4–5 years (n = 28,407), ethnic group differences were similar for boys and girls, with children from South Asian, White other, Chinese and ‘any other’ ethnic groups having a significantly lower zBMI, and Black African children having a higher zBMI, versus White British (WB) children. Patterns differed considerably at age 10–11 years (n = 25,763) with marked sex differences. Boys from White other, Bangladeshi and Black African groups had a significantly higher zBMI than WB boys. For girls, only children from Black ethnic groups showed a significantly higher zBMI. Area-level deprivation was the only important school or neighbourhood covariate, but its inclusion did not explain ethnic group differences in child zBMI.ConclusionThis analysis contributes to the existing literature by identifying nuanced patterns of ethnic disparities in childhood adiposity in Coventry, supporting the targeting of early obesity prevention for children from Black African groups, as well as girls from Black Caribbean and Black other ethnic backgrounds; and boys from Bangladeshi and White other ethnic backgrounds. It also demonstrates the utility of exploring routinely collected local data sets in building a comprehensive understanding of local population needs.

Dual energy computed tomography analysis in cancer patients: What factors affect iodine concentration in contrast enhanced studies?

PurposeThe aim of the study is to explore the patient's and scan's parameters that affect the iodine concentration in the abdomen using dual energy computed tomography (DECT) in an oncologic population. MethodThis is a retrospective study with consecutive patients with different cancers who underwent a single-source DECT (ssDECT) examinations at our institution between years 2015 and 2017. On axial IODINE images, the radiologist manually drew a circular ROI along the inner contour of the aorta. Mean iodine concentration and ROI areas were recorded. Body mass index for every patient was recorded. Descriptive statistics were summarized for iodine concentration and patient/scan characteristics. Linear regression was used to examine associations between iodine concentration in aorta and studied characteristics. Statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. ResultsThe univariate analysis, showed a statistically significant association between iodine concentration within the aorta and the area of ROI (Estimated Coefficient β: −0.013), the rate of injection (Estimated Coefficient β: 2.09), the acquisition time (Estimated Coefficient β: −0.195). In multivariable analysis iodine concentration in the aorta increased with higher rate of injection (4 ml/sec), smaller ROI area and lower BMI. ConclusionOur results showed how iodine concentration is highly dependent on some intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the examination. These parameters should be taken into account since lower concentration of iodine decrease contrast-to-noise ratio, and in longitudinal follow up studies, they would affect iodine quantitive assessments in cancer patients with frequent chemotherapy-induced variations in BMI and cardiac function.

Resposta hiper-reativa da pressão arterial durante teste de esforço em pacientes cardiometabólicos

Introdução: A Hiper-reatividade da pressão arterial (HRPA) caracteriza-se pelo aumento de forma abrupta da pressão arterial sistólica e/ou diastólica durante teste ergométrico (TE). Objetivo: Delinear o perfil de pacientes com HRPA durante TE e fatores associados a essa resposta. Métodos: Estudo observacional desenvolvido a partir de análise documental de TE de pacientes com HRPA. Aplicados Teste de Correlação de Spearman e Regressão Linear Múltipla (forwoard), p0,05. Resultados: Observou-se correlações negativas e moderadas para consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx.) com variação da PAS, PAD e IMC (p0,001, r=-0,675; p0,001 r=-0,643; p0,001, r=-0,504 respectivamente); variação da PAD com consumo de oxigênio pelo miocárdio (MVO2; p0,001, r=-0,483) e peso (p=0,004, r=0,540). Verificou-se que o VO2máx. correlacionou-se com a frequência cardíaca máxima atingida durante o TE (p=0,004, r=0,421). Ainda, o VO2máx. foi responsável por 53,56%, peso por 10,62% e MVO2 por 4,88% da variação da PAD. Conclusão: O VO2máx. apresentou maior influência sobre o comportamento hiper-reativo da PAD em pacientes com doenças cardiometabólicas.

Relationship between mid-upper arm circumference and BMI for identifying maternal wasting and severe wasting: a cross-sectional assessment.

To assess the strength of correlation and agreement between mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and BMI, and determine suitable MUAC cut-offs, to detect wasting and severe wasting among non-pregnant adult women in India. Cross-sectional studies were conducted in five high-burden pockets of four Indian states. Prevalence of malnutrition among women and children is very high in these pockets and the government plans to implement community-based pilot projects to address malnutrition in these areas. Anthropometric measurements were carried out on 1716 women with children <5 years of age. However, analyses were conducted on 1538 non-pregnant adult women. The results showed a strong correlation between MUAC and BMI in the non-pregnant women, with correlation coefficient of 0·860 (95 % CI 0·831, 0·883; P < 0·001). Cohen's κ of 0·812 and 0·884 also showed good agreement between MUAC and BMI in identifying maternal wasting and severe wasting, respectively. The univariate regression model between MUAC and BMI explained 0·734 or 73 % of the variation in BMI. The MUAC cut-offs for wasting (BMI < 18·5kg/m2) and severe wasting (BMI < 16·0kg/m2) were calculated as 232 and 214·5mm, respectively. MUAC is a strong predictor of maternal BMI among non-pregnant women with children <5 years in high-burden pockets of four Indian states. In a resource-constrained setting where BMI may not be feasible, the MUAC cut-offs could reliably be used to screen wasting and severe wasting in non-pregnant women for providing appropriate care.

Health-related quality of life and perceived health status of adolescents with obesity are improved by a 10-month multidisciplinary intervention

BackgroundAlthough multidisciplinary weight management interventions have been shown effective in improving body composition and cardio-respiratory fitness, their effects on HRQOL and perceived health status remain uncertain in adolescents with obesity. ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a 10-month multidisciplinary weight management intervention on HRQOL and health perception in adolescents with obesity, exploring whether these changes were associated with changes in body weight and body composition. MethodsThirty-six adolescents with obesity (28 girls and 8 boys; mean age: 13 ± 1.32 years) enrolled in a multidisciplinary weight management intervention composed of nutritional counseling, physical activity and health-related therapeutic education. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to assess HRQOL (SF-36) and health perception (HP questionnaire) at baseline (T0) after5 months (T1) and after 10 month of intervention (T2). In addition, anthropometric parameters and body composition (DXA) were measured at T0, T1 and T2. ResultsItems of the SF-36 significantly improved at T1 and T2, such as physical functioning (P < .01), general health (P < .01), physical (P < .001) and mental score (T1: P < .05, T2: P < .01). Dimensions of health perception improved significantly such as physical condition (P < .01 at T2), adiposity (P < .001 at T1 and T2), healthy balanced diet (P < .01 at T1 and P < .001 at T2), general health (P < .05), and perceived general health (T1: P < .01, T2: P < .001). Body weight, BMI, and fat mass (in Kg and in %) were significantly decreased (P < .001) at T1 and T2. No relationship was observed between variations of weight, BMI and Fat mass and variations of HRQOL and health perception. ConclusionA 10-month multidisciplinary weight-management intervention was associated with positive changes in HRQOL and perceived health status, which might not be explained by body weight and adiposity improvements.