Body Mass Index Range Research Articles

Excessive Weight Gain: the Problems and Solutions

According to the data of the World Health Organization a prevalence of obesity has increased since 1975. Almost 2 billion adults are overweight, among them over 650 million are obese. It is also known that overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight. Currently, it is estimated that about 3 billion adults will be overweight and over 1 billion will be obese by 2025. Moreover, among 13 biggest health problems facing people in their country an obesity takes the fifth place. The purpose of the study was to analyze the new data of the scientific publications of recent years explaining new concepts of physiological mechanism of hunger and satiety balance, the causes of excessive weight or obesity, and suggestions for mindful eating, avoiding overeating and food temptation. Results and discussion. The obesity epidemic is now one of the most important public health problems in the world. However, overweight and obesity are preventable. Being overweight increases the risk of death. The results of recent researches suggest that weight gain itself, even if a person stays within the “normal” weight range, also increases the risk of disease and premature death. There are studies that showed that a weight gain even less than 5 kg and within a healthy body mass index range, is associated with an increased risk of disease. Results of other research findings showed that biological indicators of health risk are strongly related to body weight from the lowest body mass index to the highest body mass index, with higher body mass associated with greater health risk. Obesity becomes global health problem. Obese people are at high risk of developing a number of comorbidities, including disorders of gastrointestinal tract, type 2 diabetes mellitus, joint and muscle diseases, respiratory problems and psychological problems, which can significantly affect the quality of their daily life and increase the risk of mortality. The conditions associated with obesity are diverse, but even modest weight loss can reduce the risk of development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and arterial hypertension, among many other comorbidities. Even relatively small weight loss can improve patient condition and can act as a trigger for further change, with sustained weight loss achieved through a series of gradual weight loss steps. Conclusion. The increase in obesity prevalence has an essential influence on the global morbidity of many diseases, moreover obesity and overweight affect quality and quantity of health thus being the causes of disability and significantly affect quality of life. Prevention of weight gain has been the focus of much discussion and debate, with many theories about the causes and solutions of the problem. However, prevention programs, which take in account the causes and risks factors, are more effective than weight-loss programs

Abstract 12361: Efficacy and Safety of NOACs vs. Warfarin Across the Continuous Range of Body Mass Index and Body Weight: Insights From COMBINE-AF

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at the extremes of body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW) remains uncertain, leading to concerns regarding use in these populations across clinical practice guidelines. Methods: This analysis of the COMBINE-AF database pools individual patient-level data from the 4 pivotal RCTs of NOAC vs. warfarin in AF: RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, ARISTOTLE, and ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48. Pts randomized to low-dose NOACs not globally approved for clinical use were excluded. The primary efficacy and safety outcome was stroke/systemic embolic event (S/SEE) and major bleeding, respectively, with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) being a secondary outcome. Outcomes were assessed across BMI and BW using a Cox model stratified by trial, with interaction testing for NOAC vs. warfarin. Restricted cubic splines were used to display the hazard ratio of NOAC vs. warfarin for each outcome across BMI. Results: For 58,464 pts, the median BMI was 28 (25 th -75 th %ile: 25-32) kg/m 2 , with the top 5% (n=2,924) having a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 . For patients randomized to warfarin, the risk of each outcome was lower with increasing BMI (HR per 5 kg/m 2 increase: S/SEE 0.79 [95% CI 0.75-0.84]; major bleeding 0.91 [95% CI 0.87-0.95]; ICH 0.72 [95% CI 0.66-0.80]; p<0.01 for each). There was no significant treatment interaction for NOAC vs. warfarin by BMI for S/SEE (p-interaction = 0.71; Fig 1A ), major bleeding (p-interaction = 0.15; Fig 1B ), or ICH (p-interaction = 0.84; Fig 1C ), such that there was consistent reduction in S/SEE and ICH ( Fig 1A and 1C, respectively ) across the range of BMI with NOAC vs. warfarin. Similar results were seen for each outcome when assessed by BW (median [25 th -75 th %ile]: 81 [70-94] kg; 5 th -95 th %ile: 55-119 kg). Conclusions: In this pooled analysis of the pivotal AF trials, use of NOAC was associated with a consistent reduction in S/SEE and ICH compared with warfarin across the range of BMI and BW.

RF12 | PSUN106 Quantifying Liver and Brain Levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Obesity Using Positron Emission Tomography Imaging

Abstract Objectives Cortisol is known to promote adipocyte differentiation and maturation, and prolonged exposure to excess cortisol contributes to the development of obesity and metabolic dysregulation. The intracellular 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol. Recently, we demonstrated reduced brain 11β-HSD1 levels in vivo with increasing body mass index (BMI), using positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands [11C]- and [18F]AS2471907(1). PET imaging can simultaneously quantify uptake in multiple organs (e.g., liver/brain). [18F]AS2471907 has high uptake and specific binding in the brain and liver(2). Liver and brain 11β-HSD1 measured by PET imaging may help elucidate the roles of cortisol activation in the setting of metabolic dysregulation. Thus, we performed PET imaging studies to examine 11β-HSD1 levels in the liver and brain. Methods Nine individuals (5F/4M) with a range of BMIs (22.6-34.4 kg/m2) underwent a 90 min PET/CT acquisition with arterial plasma sampling after injection of [18F]AS2471907. Regions-of-interest (ROI) for the liver were manually drawn on a summed PET image (60-90 min). Seventeen brain ROIs were selected from the anatomical automatic labeling (AAL) template and applied to the dynamic PET images to generate time-activity-curves (TACs). Brain volume of distribution (VT, mL/cm3), the target tissue to plasma ratio of radioligand at equilibrium, was estimated for each ROI using the multilinear analysis-1 method with plasma input function. Mean whole-brain VT values were calculated by averaging all ROIs. Given the appearance of irreversible kinetics in the liver, Ki (min-1), the rate of irreversible tracer uptake, was calculated using the Patlak method. Results Qualitative brain and liver uptake was assessed by examining a summed PET image (SUV 60-90min). The parent fraction in plasma was 88±1% at 90 min, indicating negligible plasma radiolabeled-metabolites contributing the measured signal in the liver. Kinetic modeling estimates demonstrated decreasing whole brain VT with increasing BMI (R2=0.53), similar to our previously published study examining only brain in a larger cohort(1). Patlak methods provided good estimates of Ki. In an opposite manner from the brain, correlations seen in the liver using Ki were positively correlated with BMI (R2=0.57). Conclusions These preliminary studies suggest obesity is associated with increased 11β-HSD1 levels in the liver but decreased 11β-HSD1 levels in the brain. Clinically, liver specific 11β-HSD1 inhibitors may prove beneficial in treating metabolic sequalae of obesity such non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting activity of higher 11β-HSD1 levels. Further studies in NAFLD and obesity are necessary to determine appropriate populations that would benefit from 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and longitudinal in vivo PET imaging to help inform development of future therapeutics.

Dietary Lifestyle of Clinical Nutrition Students Compared with That of Age-Matched Non-Medical Students

Background: There is an assumption that clinical nutrition (CLN) students should have better nutrition and health statuses and practice healthier lifestyles than other students. However, the effect of pursuing nutritional studies on student dietary lifestyle is not well known. Objective: To investigate differences in nutritional status between CLN-major and Administration/ Humanities-major (AHM) students as well as determine their sources of health and nutrition- related information. Method: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study in which CLN and AHM (mainly English and Arabic majors) students were recruited. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a questionnaire was administered to assess their dietary lifestyle. Results: In total, 160 female students (CLN, 86; AHM, 74) participated in the study. Most students from both groups (>44%) were within the normal body mass index (BMI) range (18.5-24.9 kg/m2); no CLN students had class II or III obesity. No significant difference in BMI between the two groups was observed. CLN students tended to consume breakfast and snacks more than AHM students. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly higher among CLN than AHM students. No significant difference was found in fried food or water intake between the two groups. Additionally, CLN students were more involved in high-intensity exercise than their counterparts. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that health status and dietary lifestyle among CLN students are influenced by their study major. Obesity is less prevalent, and consumption of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is higher among CLN students. Future studies investigating the long-term effect of studying CLN on lifestyle and social relations with family and friends are warranted.

Childhood Obesity in India -A Silent Epidemic

India has long topped the list of countries with the highest number of malnourished children in the world. It's now increasingly also reporting alarming levels of childhood obesity which, experts say, could take on the form of an epidemic if not tackled urgently. The diagnosis of obesity is primarily based on body mass index (BMI), defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in square metres. Normal range for BMI in children varies with age and sex. The Center for Disease Control has published tables for determining obesity in children. For children and adolescents (age 2–19 y), the BMI value is plotted on the CDC growth charts to determine the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile. Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Childhood obesity can lead to life-threatening conditions like Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cancer, liver diseases, early puberty, psychiatric disorders, asthma and other respiratory problems.

Type 2 Diabetes Incidence and Mortality: Associations with Physical Activity, Fitness, Weight Loss, and Weight Cycling.

Cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), are the leading cause of death globally. Because T2D and obesity are strongly associated, weight loss is the cornerstone of treatment. However, weight loss is rarely sustained, which may lead to weight cycling, which is associated with increased mortality risk in patients with T2D. Meta-analyses show that weight loss is not generally associated with reduced mortality risk in T2D, whereas weight cycling is associated with increased all-cause and CVD mortality. This may be attributable in part to increased variability in CVD risk factors that often accompany weight cycling, which studies show is consistently associated with adverse CVD outcomes in patients with T2D. The inconsistent associations between weight loss and mortality risk in T2D, and consistent findings of elevated mortality risk associated with weight cycling, present a conundrum for a weight-loss focused T2D prevention and treatment strategy. This is further complicated by the findings that among patients with T2D, mortality risk is lowest in the body mass index (BMI) range of ~25-35 kg/ . Because this "obesity paradox" has been consistently demonstrated in 7 meta-analyses, the lower mortality risk for individuals with T2D in this BMI range may not be all that paradoxical. Physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) are all associated with reduced risk of T2D, and lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in individuals with T2D. Reducing sedentary behavior, independent of PA status, also is strongly associated with reduced risk of T2D. Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors with exercise training are comparable to those observed in weight loss interventions, and are largely independent of weight loss. To minimize risks associated with weight cycling, it may be prudent to adopt a weight-neutral approach for prevention and treatment of individuals with obesity and T2D by focusing on increasing PA and improving CRF and MF without a specific weight loss goal.

Obesity, but not glycemic control, predicts liver steatosis in children with type 1 diabetes

ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease in children, is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by insulin deficiency, increasing obesity rates among children with T1D is a major risk factor for NAFLD in this patient population. Predisposing factors for NAFLD in children with T1D are not known. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study comparing children with T1D across the range of body mass index (BMI) to the BMI-matched obese group without T1D. Hepatic steatosis was semi-quantitatively measured via the vibration-controlled transient elastogram (VCTE) method. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between controlled-attenuated parameter (CAP) scores and clinical parameters. Receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of several clinical parameters against NAFLD status determined via CAP. ResultsTwo-thirds of subjects with obesity had CAP scores suggestive of NAFLD, while 16 % (n = 6) of T1D patients without obesity had elevated CAP. Obese subjects were different from non-obese subjects in many laboratory and clinical characteristics, regardless of T1D status. CAP score was significantly associated with BMI, HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-c), and HbA1c in all subjects as well as the T1D-only subgroup. Among subjects with obesity only, age, HDL-cand ALT were the most significant predictors. Diagnostic performance of BMI, HDL-c, and BMI/HDL ratio were in the good to the excellent range for predicting NAFLD among all subjects, while performance varied for T1D-only or obesity-only groups. ConclusionThe clinical and imaging findings of children with T1D and obesity are comparable to non-diabetic children with a similar degree of obesity. Obesity is the major risk factor for NAFLD in pediatric T1D. BMI, HDL-c, and BMI/HDL ratio may be helpful markers to determine further workup for NAFLD in children with T1D, particularly those with obesity.

Accuracy of blood pressure measurement across BMI categories using the OptiBP™ mobile application

Purpose Obesity is a clear risk factor for hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) measurement in obese patients may be biased by cuff size and upper arm shape which may affect the accuracy of measurements. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the OptiBP smartphone application for three different body mass index (BMI) categories (normal, overweight and obese). Materials and methods Participants with a wide range of BP and BMI were recruited at Lausanne University Hospital’s hypertension clinic in Switzerland. OptiBP estimated BP by recording an optical signal reflecting light from the participants’ fingertips into a smartphone camera. Age, sex and BP distribution were collected to fulfil the AAMI/ESH/ISO universal standards. Both auscultatory BP references and OptiBP BP were measured and compared using the simultaneous opposite arms method, as described in the 81060-2:2018 ISO norm. Subgroup analyses were performed for each BMI category. Results We analyzed 414 recordings from 95 patients: 34 were overweight and 15 were obese. The OptiBP application had a performance acceptance rate of 82%. The mean and standard deviation (SD) differences between the optical BP estimations and the auscultatory reference rates (criterion 1) were respected in all subgroups: SBP mean value was 2.08 (SD 7.58); 1.32 (6.44); −2.29 (5.62) respectively in obese, overweight and normal weight subgroup. For criterion 2, which investigates the precision errors on an individual level, the threshold for systolic BP in the obese group was slightly above the requirement for this criterion. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the OptiBP application is easily applicable to overweight and obese participants. Differences between the reference measure and the OptiBP estimation were within ISO limits (criterion 1). In obese participants, the SD of mean error was outside criterion 2 limits. Whether auscultatory measurement, due to arm morphology or the OptiBP is associated with increasing bias in obese still needs to be studied.

Age, gender and body-mass-index relationships with in vivo CB1 receptor availability in healthy humans measured with [11C]OMAR PET

Brain cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) contribute importantly to the regulation of autonomic tone, appetite, mood and cognition. Inconsistent results have been reported from positron emission tomography (PET) studies using different radioligands to examine relationships between age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and CB1R availability in healthy individuals. In this study, we examined these variables in 58 healthy individuals (age range: 18–55 years; 44 male; BMI=27.01±5.56), the largest cohort of subjects studied to date using the CB1R PET ligand [11C]OMAR. There was a significant decline in CB1R availability (VT) with age in the pallidum, cerebellum and posterior cingulate. Adjusting for BMI, age-related decline in VT remained significant in the posterior cingulate among males, and in the cerebellum among women. CB1R availability was higher in women compared to men in the thalamus, pallidum and posterior cingulate. Adjusting for age, CB1R availability negatively correlated with BMI in women but not men. These findings differ from those reported using [11C]OMAR and other radioligands such as [18F]FMPEP-d2 and [18F]MK-9470. Although reasons for these seemingly divergent findings are unclear, the choice of PET radioligand and range of BMI in the current dataset may contribute to the observed differences. This study highlights the need for cross-validation studies using both [11C]OMAR and [18F]FMPEP-d2 within the same cohort of subjects.

Impact of maternal risk factors on the structure and function of the heart in newborns

Abstract Introduction Maternal factors such as smoking during pregnancy, advanced age, and obesity are associated with increased risk of complex congenital heart defects in the offspring. It is unknown whether maternal risk factors may also cause subtle abnormalities in cardiac structure and function. Purpose To investigate whether the following maternal factors: advanced age, high body mass index (BMI), and smoking during pregnancy are associated with changes in left ventricle (LV) dimensions and systolic function in the newborn child. Methods Data was obtained as part of a population-based cohort study with prenatal inclusion and postnatal transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of newborns within 60 days of birth. The TTE protocol included measurements of: Interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (IVSd), LV posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd), LV internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd) and LV internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDs). Fractional shortening (FS) was calculated by use of Teicholz's formula. Children of mothers with data available on age, BMI, and smoking status, respectively, were divided into the following groups depending on whether their mothers were: of young age <25 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years (reference group), 35–39 years, and advanced age ≥40 years; underweight BMI <18.5, normal range BMI 18.5–24.9 (reference group), preobese BMI 25–29.9, and obese BMI ≥30; smoking or nonsmoking (reference group). Associations between different groups with each maternal risk factor and newborn LV parameters were analysed using a multiple linear regression model. Results Children of mothers with advanced age at the time of childbirth (n=1,411) had significantly smaller LVIDd and LVIDs (Table 1) compared to children of mothers in their early thirties (n=10,045). Children of preobese (n=4,707) and obese mothers (n=2,138) had significantly smaller LVIDd and LVIDs than children of mothers in the normal BMI range (n=17,654). Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy (n=808) had significantly larger LVPWd than children of non-smoking mothers (n=24,072). A significant difference in FS was only seen in children of obese mothers. Subanalyses of the quantity of maternal smoking (available data in n=548 [67.8%] of mothers who smoked during pregnancy) showed that children of heavy smoking mothers (≥15 cigarettes/day, n=101), had significantly thicker IVSd and LVPWd compared with children of nonsmoking mothers, whereas no significant effect was identified in newborns of mothers smoking less than 15 cigarettes per day (Table 2). Conclusions Systematic population-based echocardiography of newborns showed that an increased maternal BMI and maternal age above 40 years were associated with smaller LV cavity dimensions in the offspring and that heavy smoking during pregnancy was associated with increased LV myocardial thickness. FS was only affected in children of obese mothers. The long-term effects of these novel findings are unknown. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Herlev-Gentofte Hospital Internal Funding for Cardiological Research andThe Novo Nordisk Foundation

Universıty Employees’ Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors And Fastıng Blood Glucose

Background: Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors is an important step in preventing diseases.Objective: This study aims to determine healthy lifestyle behaviors, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and waist circumference of employees in a public university in Turkiye.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted. A total of 191 academic and administrative staff were recruited for this study.We used sociodemographic data form and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) for data collection. We measured and recorded each participant’s FBG (at least 8 hours), height, weight, and waist circumference in the data sheet.Results: Of the participants, 77% were aged under 40; 74.9% were male; 71.2% were administrative staff; 48.2% had FBG between 100-125 mg/dl.; 49.2% were within the normal BMI (Body Mass Index) range; 29.2% of women had a waist circumference greater than 90 cm, 25.2% of men had a waist circumference greater than 100 cm. The average HPLP II score of the participants was 128.67±18.51.Conclusion: It was determined that healthy lifestyle behaviors did not change according to age, that 48.2% of the participants had FBG between 100-125 mg/dl and were not aware of their blood glucose levels, that half of the participants were overweight and obese, and that waist circumference and FBG increased as BMI increased. The incidence of diabetes might be higher than predicted in guidelines in near future.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 06 No. 04 Oct’22 Page: 383-392

Association between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and history of nutritional supplement intake and body mass index (BMI): a retrospective study

PurposeAs the development and vaccination of the COVID 19 vaccine is accelerating worldwide, it is important to investigate the ways to improve immunity and immune responses to vaccines. This study aims to investigate the association between history of nutritional supplements intake and body mass index (BMI) in the severity of COVID-19 vaccine side effects after vaccination.Design/methodology/approachA total of 465 vaccinated participants with the Sinopharm vaccine (females and males in the 18–65 age range) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken on the first visit. In addition, nutrient supplement history and demographic information were collected. Moreover, the participants’ phone numbers were collected and they were contacted. Participants were asked to report if they experienced systemic (whole-body) and/or local side effects after vaccination, in the following eight days. Then, participants were grouped into four categories: no symptoms (n = 232), mild symptoms (n = 121), moderate symptoms (n = 55) and severe symptoms (n = 57).FindingsThere was a significant difference between the consumption of nutritional supplements by different groups of participants in the last six months (considering the severity of the symptoms) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the incidence of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine increased in the Q3 of BMI (range 22.94–26.34) in Modes 2 and 3: [OR: 1.85, (95% CI: 1.14– 3.00), p-for trend = 0.08] and [OR: 1.89, (95% CI: 1.16– 3.09), p-for trend = 0.09] based on logistic regression models.Originality/valueIn this study, the history of nutrient supplement intake affects the severity of side effects after the vaccination with COVID-19. Furthermore, based on logistic regression models, side effects were more prevalent in the BMI range 22.9–26.3 when compared to BMI < 20.2 so further study is necessary.

Association of body mass index and its classifications with gray matter volume in individuals with a wide range of body mass index group: A whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging study.

AimTo examine the association of body mass index (BMI) [kg/m2] and its classifications (underweight [BMI < 18.5], normal [18.5 ≤ BMI < 25], overweight [25 ≤ BMI < 30], and obese [BMI ≥ 30]) with brain structure in individuals with a wide range of BMI group.Materials and methodsThe participants included 382 right-handed individuals (mean age: 46.9 ± 14.3 years, 142 men and 240 women). The intelligence quotient was assessed using the Japanese Adult Reading Test. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed to analyze the association of BMI and its classifications with gray and white matter structures, respectively.ResultsAccording to VBM, BMI was significantly and negatively correlated with the bilateral cerebellum exterior volumes. In group comparisons, the right cerebellum exterior volume was significantly lower in the overweight or obese group than in the underweight or normal group, while the bilateral cuneus and calcarine cortex, left cuneus, and left precuneus volume was significantly lower in the underweight group than in the non-underweight group. Sex-related stratification analyses for VBM revealed that BMI was significantly and negatively correlated with the bilateral cerebellum exterior volumes only in women. In group comparisons, the left cerebellum exterior volume was significantly lower in obese women than in non-obese women. The left thalamus proper and the right cerebellum exterior volumes were significantly lower in overweight or obese group than in underweight or normal group in men and women, respectively. The bilateral cuneus and calcarine cortex, left cuneus and carcarine cortex, and bilateral cuneus volume was significantly lower in underweight men than in non-underweight men. In contrast, there were no notable findings on DTI.ConclusionOur results suggest association of continuous BMI, being overweight or obese, and being underweight with decreased gray matter volume in individuals with a wide range of BMI group. Furthermore, sex-related differences are seen in the association of BMI and its classifications with regional gray matter volume reductions. Abnormally high or low BMIs may have a negative influence on regional gray matter volumes.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, DIETARY PATTERNS, AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF VEGETARIANS

Vegetarianism is one of the most popular dietary patterns in the world, and Indonesians are as well. This study was conducted to determine the profile of vegetarians in Palembang based on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity level, dietary type, total energy intake, total macronutrient intake, and nutritional status. This study is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design. Maha Vihara Maitreya Duta (MVMD) was the vegetarian population in this survey. Participants who agreed to take part in the survey were at least 18 years old, have been vegetarian for at least three years, were not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and did not have any chronic ailments. A total of 148 samples were acquired using a consecutive sampling technique. To establish nutritional status, Primary data were collected by completing food recall interviews during the last 24 hours on two non-consecutive days. and measuring height and weight to determine nutritional status. The highest age range of participants was 30–49 years (54,1%). The majority of the population was female (61,5%) and had a college degree (56,1%). Most participants work (85,8%), engage in light-to-moderate physical activity, and have a normal body mass index range (68,2%). Most ate lacto-ovo-vegetarian (59,5%). Most participants were vegetarian for 6-10 years (31,1%). Most motivations for becoming a vegetarian are health-related (45,3%). Vegans consumed more calories, carbs, and protein than non-vegans, but less fat. Most vegan and non-vegan respondents had good nutritional status and were in the sufficient category for achieving calorie and macronutrient requirements.

Circulating Spexin Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Fat Mass but Not with Physical Activity and Psychological Parameters in Women across a Broad Body Weight Spectrum.

Spexin (SPX) is a novel, widely expressed peptide, with anorexigenic effects demonstrated in animal models and negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in humans. It increases locomotor activity in rodents and is elevated in human plasma following exercise. Studies have also shown an effect of stress and anxiety on SPX’s expression in different brain structures in animals. The relationships between plasma SPX and physical activity, body composition, and patient-reported outcomes such as perceived stress, depressiveness, anxiety, and eating behaviors are unknown and were examined in this study over a wide BMI range. A total of 219 female (n = 68 with anorexia nervosa; n = 79 with obesity; n = 72 with normal weight) inpatients were enrolled. Perceived stress (PSQ 20), anxiety (GAD 7), depressiveness (PHQ 9), and eating disorder pathology (EDI 2), as well as BMI, bioimpedance analysis, and accelerometry, were measured cross-sectionally at the beginning of treatment and correlated with plasma SPX levels (measured by ELISA) obtained at the same time. Plasma SPX levels were negatively associated with BMI (r = −0.149, p = 0.027) and body fat mass (r = −0.149, p = 0.04), but did not correlate with perceived stress, anxiety, depressiveness, eating behavior, energy expenditure, and physical activity (p > 0.05). The results replicate the negative correlation of SPX with BMI and fat mass, but do not support the hypothesis that peripheral SPX plays a role in the regulation of stress, depressiveness, anxiety, eating behavior, or physical activity.

Exercise stages of change and barriers among undergraduates at a historically black university

Objective: To investigate exercise stages of change (SOC) and physical barriers among undergraduates at an Historically Black University (HBCU) and quantify their relationship. Participants: A total of 326 undergraduate HBCU students; 198 were females (body mass index (BMI) range 16.5–87.9; M = 26.5 ± 6.8) and 127 were males (BMI range 18.0–49.3; M = 26.4 ± 5.7). Methods: Students voluntarily completed a three-section survey: demographic questions, Exercise SOC, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ). Results: An ANOVA determined significant differences (p < . 001) between the means for each SOC for lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of willpower, and lack of skill. Significant differences (p < . 001) existed between SOC and BBAQ score, as well as number of important barriers. Conclusions: HBCU interventions should address time management, energy, motivation, social support, and skill development to promote exercise and reduce barriers, especially among Black women.

Increased mRNA Levels of ADAM17, IFITM3, and IFNE in Peripheral Blood Cells Are Present in Patients with Obesity and May Predict Severe COVID-19 Evolution.

Gene expression patterns in blood cells from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals with different clinical phenotypes and body mass index (BMI) could help to identify possible early prognosis factors for COVID-19. We recruited patients with COVID-19 admitted in Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE) between March 2020 and November 2021, and control subjects. Peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and plasma samples were obtained on hospital admission. Gene expression of candidate transcriptomic biomarkers in PBCs were compared based on the patients’ clinical status (mild, severe and critical) and BMI range (normal weight, overweight, and obesity). mRNA levels of ADAM17, IFITM3, IL6, CXCL10, CXCL11, IFNG and TYK2 were increased in PBCs of COVID-19 patients (n = 73) compared with controls (n = 47), independently of sex. Increased expression of IFNE was observed in the male patients only. PBC mRNA levels of ADAM17, IFITM3, CXCL11, and CCR2 were higher in those patients that experienced a more serious evolution during hospitalization. ADAM17, IFITM3, IL6 and IFNE were more highly expressed in PBCs of patients with obesity. Interestingly, the expression pattern of ADAM17, IFITM3 and IFNE in PBCs was related to both the severity of COVID-19 evolution and obesity status, especially in the male patients. In conclusion, gene expression in PBCs can be useful for the prognosis of COVID-19 evolution.

A Scoping Review of Perinatal Outcomes for Canadian Individuals with Obesity 1980–2020

Background: Pre-pregnancy obesity has long been associated with a higher risk of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum complications, leading to classifying all patients within the WHO obese body mass index range (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) as high-risk. Excessive risk classification can lead to over-treatment and iatrogenic harm. Research supporting these increased risks comes from a variety of countries with different baseline population health and perinatal health care systems. Recent research documents that parturients with high pre-pregnancy BMI can have uncomplicated pregnancies and births. Here, the relationship between obesity and perinatal outcomes in a Canadian population is investigated using Canada as a model of a country with stable nutrition sufficiency and universal access to health care. Methods: We searched electronic databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed articles in English that examined perinatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies in Canada between 1980 and 2020 based on pre-pregnancy obesity as the exposure of interest. Results: The search yielded 1946 results. After full-text screening, 21 articles met criteria for analysis. The impact of obesity on preterm labour, preterm birth, post-term delivery, labour induction, post-partum hemorrhage, and parturient morbidity and mortality in Canada remains inconclusive. The risk of hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, shoulder dystocia, and cesarean section delivery was significantly elevated as BMI increased. Operative vaginal delivery was less common in those with pre-pregnancy obesity. Conclusions: Though certain adverse perinatal outcomes are associated with increasing pre-pregnancy BMI, given the wide range of results and range of risk values, further research is required to better delineate comorbid risk factors that contribute to poorer outcomes. Nation-specific outcomes that reflect the accessibility of perinatal care and population health are a necessary baseline for the development of accurate health management guidelines.

Cost-Effectiveness of Earlier or More Intensive Colorectal Cancer Screening in Overweight and Obese Patients

Overweight and obese persons have not only elevated rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), but also higher competing mortality and healthcare spending. We examined the cost-effectiveness of intensified CRC screening in overweight and obese persons. We adapted our validated decision analytic model of CRC screening to compare screening starting at 45 or 40 years of age instead of at 50 years of age, or shortening screening intervals, in women and men with body mass index (BMI) ranging from normal to grade III obesity. Strategies included colonoscopy every 10 years (Colo10) or every 5 years (Colo5), or annual fecal immunochemical test. Without screening, sex-specific total CRC deaths were similar for persons with overweight or obesity I-III, reflecting the counterbalancing of higher CRC risk by lower life expectancy as BMI rises. For all BMI and sex groups, Colo10 starting at 45 years of age or FIT starting at 40 years of age were cost-effective at a threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Colo10 starting at 40 years of age was cost-effective only for men with obesity II-III, at $93,300 and $80,400 per quality-adjusted life year gained, respectively. Shifting Colo10 to earlier starting ages was always preferred over Colo5 starting at later ages. Results were robust in sensitivity analysis, including varying all-cause mortality, complication, and BMI-specific CRC risks. CRC screening starting at 45 years of age with colonoscopy, or at 40 years of age with FIT, appears cost-effective for women and men across the range of BMI. In men with obesity II-III, who have the highest CRC but also all-cause mortality risks, colonoscopy starting at 40 years of age appears cost-effective. It remains to be decided whether BMI should be used as a single predictor or incorporated into a multivariable tool to tailor CRC screening.

Ultra-processed food intakes associated with ‘food addiction’ in young adults

Exploring potentially addictive foods and food components is a recent research focus. Few studies have evaluated this based on level of food processing using the NOVA classification system. This study compared intakes of ultra-processed foods in young adults with and without food addiction. Secondary analysis of online cross-sectional survey data was conducted. The sample included 735 young Australian adults (18–35 years). Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and coded using NOVA to determine percentage energy (%E) from each of the four NOVA categories (unprocessed; processed culinary ingredients; processed; ultra-processed). Food addiction was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender and body mass index (BMI), were developed to examine the association between %E from NOVA categories with food addiction status and number of symptoms. Sample mean age was 24.7 ± 4.2 years, 85% were female, 67% within healthy weight BMI range, and 20% classified as food addicted. Participants consumed 34.3 ± 13.4 %E from ultra-processed foods. Young adults classified as food addicted consumed a higher %E from ultra-processed foods (β = 3.954, p = 0.002) and a lower %E from unprocessed foods (β = −2.743, p = 0.010) than those classified as not food addicted. For each additional food addiction symptom reported, the %E from ultra-processed foods was higher (β = 1.693, p < 0.001) and %E from unprocessed foods was lower (β = −1.238, p < 0.001). Results demonstrate an association between YFAS assessed food addiction and higher intakes of ultra-processed foods, providing an important new perspective on the relationship between self-reported diet and food addiction in young adults. Future research should evaluate the relationship between food addiction, ultra-processed food intakes and health in longitudinal studies in order to inform potential treatment approaches.