Decreased Body Fat Research Articles

Evaluating Weight Loss Efficacy in Obesity Treatment with Allurion’s Ingestible Gastric Balloon: A Retrospective Study Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker

Obesity represents a growing public health concern, affecting more than 15% of the global adult population and involving a multi-billion market that comprises nutritional, surgical, psychological, and multidisciplinary interventions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and body weight measurements associated with differing levels of physical activity following the use of Allurion’s ingestible gastric balloon that was designed to increase feelings of fullness and decrease food consumption, being naturally eliminated after approximately 16 weeks. This study involved 571 individuals who qualified for the intervention for being older than 20 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker and Allurion’s smartwatch, this study was able to track vital signs and physical activity in real time. The participants had an average initial BMI of 34.1 kg/m2 and a median age of 41 years. Notable outcomes were observed in both study groups, “Less Active” and “More Active”, which were classified by achieving less or more than a median number of 8000 daily steps. Specifically, body fat percentage saw a reduction from 33.1 ± 9.4 to 28.3 ± 10.2 in the less active group and from 32.2 to 27.5 in the more active group, with both groups achieving statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in average weight, dropping from 98.2 ± 22.8 kg to 84.6 ± 19.3 kg in the less active group and from 97.7 ± 21.0 kg to 82.1 ± 22.9 kg in the more active group (both p < 0.001). Interestingly, those in the more active group also experienced a significant increase in lean mass compared to their less active counterparts (p = 0.045), although no substantial differences in weight loss, BMI reduction, and total body fat decrease were observed between the two groups. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that Allurion’s ingestible gastric balloon significantly reduces weight in the short term and enhances several physical health metrics, demonstrating effectiveness as an autonomous method for challenging weight management, regardless of the level of daily physical activity.

Effectiveness of dietetic care for cancer survivors in the primary care setting: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer survivorship. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to critically assess and quantify the effectiveness of nutrition care interventions provided by dietitians to survivors who have completed treatment for cancer. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 2004 to November 2023 reporting the effectiveness of primary care dietetic interventions with adult cancer survivors was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest and PsycINFO databases were searched for key terms. Meta-analyses were conducted where there were sufficient studies of the same cancer type and outcomes. Twelve RCTs representing 1138 cancer survivors (519 breast cancer; 75 prostate cancer; 544 colorectal cancer) were included. Primary outcome measures included weight loss (n = 6), quality of life (n = 2), reducing lymphedema-related arm volume (n = 2), nutritional status (n = 1) and increasing fruit and vegetable intake (n = 1). Weight loss was observed in studies where this was the primary outcome. Results for quality of life varied.Meta-analyses of RCTs with breast cancer survivors showed that dietitian intervention achieved a mean of 3.7kg greater intentional weight loss and 2.3% greater body fat decrease than control (p < 0.0001). This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of primary care dietetic interventions by dietitians with cancer survivors, particularly with respect to intentional weight and fat loss in breast cancer survivors. Dietitians can play a key role in managing weight and improving long term health outcomes and prognosis for cancer survivors beyond the acute care setting.

Which performance markers have the greatest impact on lacrosse point production?

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to explore what performance markers have the greatest impact on lacrosse point production. Method: A literature search was performed using the Google Scholar database. All articles were accessed through a combination of the Lasell University Library and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Library. Some journals that were included in this paper are Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Journal of Athletic Enhancement, International Journal of Exercise Science and many others. The initial criteria for sources were set for peer reviewed articles within the last 10 years. Due to a void in research, older sources were included to help provide a bigger picture of the research. Results: Of the 32 studies, 12 looked at men’s lacrosse, 16 looked at women’s lacrosse, 2 studies collected data from both men’s and women’s teams, and lastly 1 included article looked at sports that were not lacrosse. Of the 32 studies, 24 of them explore performance markers, 2 studies explored exclusively point production variables, and 6 studies looked at the relationship between performance markers and point production. Conclusion: All studies included in this paper create a fundamental base of research for the sport of lacrosse. The base of suggestions from this article appears to be improvements should focus on decreasing body fat percentage, improving anaerobic training, and increasing muscular strength. All three of which could be linked together physiologically.

Los fructanos de agave promueven la formación de biopelícula in vitro en el consorcio probiótico Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus y Streptococcus thermophilus

In recent years the relationship between the intestinal microbiota, the host and chronic non-communicable diseases has brought interest into the study of its formation and maintenance in the host. Lactic acid bacteria (BAL) are Gram-positive bacteria with probiotic activity, which have been associated with many health benefits, such as decreased body fat mass and lower risk of type II diabetes mellitus. One of the main colonization mechanisms and bacteria survival strategies is the production of biofilms and the use of prebiotics as substrates to achieve a balance within intestinal microbiota. However, there is not enough evidence to demonstrate the biofilm formation in the presence of agave fructans (AF). This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the biofilm formation in a consortium of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus y Streptococcus thermophilus in the presence of AF at different concentrations: 0%, 0,1%, 4%, 8% y 16%. The addition of 0,1% of AF correlates with the best capacity for biofilm formation. The findings imply the possibility of modulating the biofilm formation of lactic acid bacteria with AF. These results can contribute positively to the host, by generating intestinal homeostasis, colonization resistance, stability to food digestion and chemical modifications of drugs and carry out beneficial functions to the health.

The Interactive Effects of Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Fat Mass on Insulin Resistance in the Young Population.

Recent evidence in 9-year-old children with overweight/obesity followed up for 7 years until late adolescence concluded that increased physical activity (PA) decreased the risk of high fasting glucose, low insulin sensitivity, and secretion. However, whether this effect persists until young adulthood is unknown. This observational study examined the effects of cumulative sedentary time (ST), light PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) on glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in 11-year-old children followed up for 13 years until young adulthood. Altogether 792 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK who had data on at least two measures of accelerometer-based movement behaviour during ages 11, 15, and 24 years follow-up clinic visits with complete fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR measures at ages 15, 17, and 24 years were included. ST, LPA, and MVPA were measured with an accelerometer. Cumulative ST from ages 11-24 years was associated with increased odds (odds ratio 1.20 [95% CI 1.00-1.44] p=0.047) and cumulative LPA was associated with the decreased odds of hyperinsulinemia (0.80 [0.66-0.96] p=0.017) among participants with overweight/obesity. Cumulative MVPA was inversely associated with insulin but after accounting for the mediating role of fat mass, MVPA effect on lowering insulin decreased by 58% resulting in statistical non-significance. In the temporal path analyses, among participants with overweight/obesity, higher glucose at age 15 years was associated with lower LPA and MVPA at 24 years. Higher LPA at 15 years was associated with lower insulin and HOMA-IR at 24 years and vice-versa. Promoting LPA while decreasing body fat mass and ST may be considered crucial intervention targets to attenuate the risk of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance from childhood through young adulthood.

Association between body fat decrease during the first year after diagnosis and the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: CT-based body composition analysis

BackgroundThe prognostic role of changes in body fat in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains underexplored. We investigated the association between changes in body fat during the first year post-diagnosis and outcomes in patients with IPF.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective study included IPF patients with chest CT scan and pulmonary function test (PFT) at diagnosis and a one-year follow-up between January 2010 and December 2020. The fat area (cm2, sum of subcutaneous and visceral fat) and muscle area (cm2) at the T12-L1 level were obtained from chest CT images using a fully automatic deep learning-based software. Changes in the body composition were dichotomized using thresholds dividing the lowest quartile and others, respectively (fat area: -52.3 cm2, muscle area: -7.4 cm2). Multivariable Cox regression analyses adjusted for PFT result and IPF extent on CT images and the log-rank test were performed to assess the association between the fat area change during the first year post-diagnosis and the composite outcome of death or lung transplantation.ResultsIn total, 307 IPF patients (69.3 ± 8.1 years; 238 men) were included. During the first year post-diagnosis, fat area, muscle area, and body mass index (BMI) changed by -15.4 cm2, -1 cm2, and − 0.4 kg/m2, respectively. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 146 patients had the composite outcome (47.6%). In Cox regression analyses, a change in the fat area < -52.3 cm2 was associated with composite outcome incidence in models adjusted with baseline clinical variables (hazard ratio [HR], 1.566, P = .022; HR, 1.503, P = .036 in a model including gender, age, and physiology [GAP] index). This prognostic value was consistent when adjusted with one-year changes in clinical variables (HR, 1.495; P = .030). However, the change in BMI during the first year was not a significant prognostic factor (P = .941). Patients with a change in fat area exceeding this threshold experienced the composite outcome more frequently than their counterparts (58.4% vs. 43.9%; P = .007).ConclusionA ≥ 52.3 cm2 decrease in fat area, automatically measured using deep learning technique, at T12-L1 in one year post-diagnosis was an independent poor prognostic factor in IPF patients.

Beneficial effects of simultaneously targeting calorie intake and calorie efficiency in diet-induced obese mice.

Semaglutide is an anti-diabetes and weight loss drug that decreases food intake, slows gastric emptying, and increases insulin secretion. Patients begin treatment with low-dose semaglutide and increase dosage over time as efficacy plateaus. With increasing dosage, there is also greater incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. One reason for the plateau in semaglutide efficacy despite continued low food intake is due to compensatory actions whereby the body becomes more metabolically efficient to defend against further weight loss. Mitochondrial uncoupler drugs decrease metabolic efficiency, therefore we sought to investigate the combination therapy of semaglutide with the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 in diet-induced obese mice. Mice were fed high-fat western diet (WD) and stratified into six treatment groups including WD control, BAM15, low-dose semaglutide without or with BAM15, and high-dose semaglutide without or with BAM15. Combining BAM15 with either semaglutide dose decreased body fat and liver triglycerides, which was not achieved by any monotherapy, while high-dose semaglutide with BAM15 had the greatest effect on glucose homeostasis. This study demonstrates a novel approach to improve weight loss without loss of lean mass and improve glucose control by simultaneously targeting energy intake and energy efficiency. Such a combination may decrease the need for semaglutide dose escalation and hence minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.

Aerobic training effect on mental health and biological indicators in Post-COVID-19 patients

Introduction. One of the aspects of health most affected in patients infected by COVID-19 was mental health. Leading organizations worldwide have recommended physical activity as one of the main actions. Objective. To analyze the effect of a short-term aerobic training program on biological and mental health and quality of life indicators in post-Covid-19 patients. Methods. Symptomatology of depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, vital signs, physical fitness and body composition were measured in 10 post COVID-19 patients. An aerobic physical exercise program was applied at 40-60% intensity, five days a week, 50 minutes per session for four weeks. Results. A 30% decrease in depression symptomatology, 58% in stress and 44% in anxiety was found during the intervention period (p&lt;0.001). Regarding the perception of quality of life, the psychological area was the one that presented a positive effect during the intervention (p=0.035). An increase in leg strength (p=0.018) and a decrease in body fat (p=0.005) were found during the intervention. Conclusion. A short-term physical exercise program shows benefits in mental health indicators in post-COVID-19 patients. Key Words: Physical activity; Mental health; Quality of life, COVID-19; Fitness.

Effects of a complex yoga-based intervention on physical characteristics.

Empirical studies on yoga have shown that regular practice can have a beneficial effect on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases; also, it can decrease body weight, body fat and increase muscle mass. Positive effects on balance and flexibility were also reported. This study evaluated the impact of a 3-month complex yoga-based program, including physical exercises, education, and social support, with a quasi-randomized design in a middle-aged community sample. The intervention group consisted of 46 participants while the passive control group was 29 participants. The intervention group showed a significant increase in core muscle strength and hamstring flexibility and a decrease in body fat. No significant changes were found concerning risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, body weight, muscle mass, balancing ability, and dietary habits. A 3-month yoga intervention cannot substantially impact the cardiovascular system and body weight control in middle-aged adults.

Evaluating Change in Body Composition and Impact of Menarche Across a Competitive Season in Elite Collegiate Gymnasts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate change in bone mineral density (BMD), BMD percentile (BMDp), lean mass (LM), fat-free mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and muscle size (mCSA) and quality (EI) in collegiate female gymnasts over a competitive season and characterize the impact of menarche on changes. Twenty gymnasts completed a validated survey to assess age of menarche. Body composition was assessed via whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at pre- and postseason. mCSA and EI were determined from a panoramic ultrasound scan of the vastus lateralis. Pre- to postseason changes were evaluated using paired sample t tests, and strength of relationships between were analyzed via bivariate correlations and linear regression. Significant losses in body fat percentage (Δ -1.1 ± 1.9%; p = .022) and EI (Δ -5.0 ± 5.8 a.u.; p = .002) were observed. No significant changes were observed in BMDp, mCSA, BMD, LM, or fat-free mass index (p = .310–.869). Age of menarche (15.4 ± 1.5 years) was negatively correlated with Δ BMDp (r = −.454; p = .044) and Δ mCSA (r = −.658; p = .002), explaining 21% and 43% of variation in Δ BMDp and Δ mCSA, respectively. Positive outcomes of gymnastics training, such as gains in LM and mCSA, may be attenuated by delayed menarche, suggested by increased EI and decreased body fat percentage, despite no changes in mCSA or overall LM. These findings may indicate a higher priority of fat utilization within the muscle over muscle and bone growth. Considering menarche as a significant predictor for Δ mCSA, this lack of increase (despite improved EI), may signify increased injury risk resulting from team-specific training style or insufficient energy intake to support appropriate muscle growth.

A Systematic Review for Stand-up Paddle

Background: The goal is to investigate how the length and height of passes impact a team's performance in national championships. A predictive model will be developed to analyse the success of different pass characteristics, including short, medium, and long length and ground, low, and high height. The model will be based on the points earned and will determine which combination of pass characteristics is most effective. Objective: Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the external and internal parameters commonly used to evaluate SUP performance under different test conditions. Methods: The search was conducted in multiple scientific databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE/(PubMed), Science Direct, and Web of Science) and was completed on January 31, 2022, using the following keywords: “stand up paddle,” “stand up paddling”, and “stand up paddle boarding.” Results: Twenty-one articles were selected, involving a total of 238 subjects at both the competitive and recreational levels. SUP athletes have increased muscle mass, decreased body fat percentage, and used more efficient paddling techniques, highlighting the importance of equipment evaluation in improving athletic performance. Conclusion: More research is needed to improve the performance and expand the culture of SUP. The integration of specific technologies can help to understand better the variables that affect performance outcomes.

Sunflower seed extract supplementation reduces body fat in adults with obesity: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Obesity is an important public health problem and socioeconomic burden. We hypothesized that an intake of sunflower seed extract (SUN-CA) would decrease body fat and then investigated the effects and safety of SUN-CA intake on body fat in adults with obesity as an option for obesity treatment. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 100 adults with body mass indices of 25 to 31.9 kg/m2 were assigned to groups that received SUN-CA (n = 50) or a placebo (n = 50) and received 1 tablet/day containing 500 mg of SUN-CA or the placebo over a 12-week period. The primary endpoint was the change in mass and percentage of body fat. The group that received SUN-CA daily showed decreases in body fat mass greater than those in the placebo group (−0.9 ± 1.8 kg vs. −0.1 ± 1.4 kg, P = .043). In addition, body weight, body mass index, and hip circumference improved after the intake of SUN-CA relative to the changes in the placebo group. There was no intergroup differences in the prevalence of adverse events. The accumulation of excess body fat improved through the intake of 500 mg/day of SUN-CA containing 100 mg of chlorogenic acids for 12 weeks in adults with obesity without causing serious adverse side effects. SUN-CA could be an effective and safe management option for obesity. The trial was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index/index.do) as KCT0005733.

Effect of resistance training programs differing in set structure on muscular hypertrophy and performance in untrained young men.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects on muscle hypertrophy and muscular performance of two resistance training (RT) programs that differed only in set structure: traditional set structure (TS) vs. rest redistribution set structure (RR). Methods: Thirty untrained young men were pair-matched and randomly assigned to a TS (n = 15) or an RR (n = 15) protocol based on individual baseline measures. Participants trained for 8weeks using the same total body RT routines performed twice weekly. The TS protocol comprised four sets of 10 repetitions per exercise with 120-s interset rest, and the RR involved eight sets of five repetitions per exercise with 51-s interset rest. Participants were tested pre- and post-intervention for body composition, regional muscle thickness, upper- and lower-body muscle maximal strength [1-repetition maximum (1RM)], mean power output and velocity at 75% 1RM and muscular endurance (repetitions to failure at 70% 1RM). Results: Compared to baseline, both groups exhibited equally significantly decreased body fat mass (p < 0.05), increased fat-free mass (p < 0.001), muscle thickness (p < 0.05), upper and lower-body muscular maximal strength (p < 0.001) and endurance performance (p < 0.001). However, both groups only increase the lower-body power output (p < 0.001) but not the upper-body (p > 0.05). No significant differences existed between groups for all measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that RR and TS groups have similar effects for improving muscle hypertrophy and performance in untrained young men.

Anti-obesity and metabolic benefits of metformin: Comparison of different delivery routes

Obesity is a severe public health problem. Healthy lifestyle interventions are commonly recommended for fighting obesity. But they are hard to follow and have low efficacy. Pharmacotherapy and surgery are of high efficacy but are beset with side effects. Browning subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) is a practical and efficient approach for combating obesity. Metformin, a commonly used FDA-approved antidiabetic drug, is potent to induce browning of WAT through phosphorylation and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. However, oral administration of metformin has low oral bioavailability, fast renal clearance, and low target specificity that limit metformin's application in browning WAT. Local and transdermal delivery of metformin directly to subcutaneous WAT using injection or microneedle (MN) in combination with iontophoresis (INT) may solve these problems. In this paper, we administered metformin to C57BL/6J obese mice using the following three routes: transdermal delivery (MN and INT), local injection into inguinal WAT (IgWAT, a type of subcutaneous WAT in mice), and oral gavage. The anti-obesity and metabolic effects of metformin via these delivery routes were determined and compared. As compared to local IgWAT injection and oral gavage delivery, transdermal delivery of metformin using MN and INT resulted in 9 % lower body weight and 7 % decrease in body fat% accompanied by improved energy metabolism and decreased inflammation through browning IgWAT in obese C57BL/6J mice. Transdermal delivery of metformin using MN and INT is an effective approach in browning subcutaneous WAT for combating obesity and improving metabolic health.

Resistance Exercise and Creatine Supplementation on Fat Mass in Adults < 50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effect on adults < 50 years of age is currently unknown. To address this limitation, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed several meta-analyses comparing studies that included resistance exercise and creatine supplementation to resistance exercise and placebo on fat mass and body fat percentage Twelve studies were included, involving 266 participants. Adults (<50 years of age) who supplemented with creatine and performed resistance exercise experienced a very small, yet significant reduction in body fat percentage (-1.19%, p = 0.006); however, no difference was found in absolute fat mass (-0.18 kg, p = 0.76). Collectively, in adults < 50 years of age, the combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation produces a very small reduction in body fat percentage without a corresponding decrease in absolute fat mass.

Lipid Profile in Multiple Sclerosis: Functional Capacity and Therapeutic Potential of Its Regulation after Intervention with Epigallocatechin Gallate and Coconut Oil.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients present dyslipidemia and functional disability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and coconut oil have been shown to be effective against dyslipidemia. To analyze the relationship between lipid profiles, fat consumption, and functional disability in patients with MS after administering EGCG and coconut oil. A four-month pilot study was conducted on 45 MS patients, divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil. Lipid profiles were measured before and after the intervention, along with other data such as dietary habits, inflammatory markers, and functional capacity. Dyslipidemia did not correlate with the patients' fat consumption. After the intervention, triglycerides (TG) levels were lower in IG compared to CG. This decrease was positively correlated with an improvement in functional disability (determined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) and negatively with high-density cholesterol (HDL) and apolipoprotein A1. Significant and positive correlations were observed between EDSS and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the IG. These changes in the IG could be related to body fat decrease, whose percentage shows a positive correlation with CRP and TG levels, and a negative correlation with HDL levels. Patients with MS present a certain type of dyslipemia not associated with their nutritional habits. The administration of EGCG and coconut oil seems to decrease blood TG levels, which could explain the functional improvements.

The effect of fat distribution and nutritional behavior on balance and equilibrium of acrobatics and tumbling athletes

Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&amp;T) is an emerging sport in the United States; balance and equilibrium are critical components of performance in this sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify if body composition, fat distribution, and nutritional behavior affect the balance and vertical jump of A&amp;T athletes. Body mass index (BMI), whole body percentage of fat and skeletal muscle, and fat distribution of top and base A&amp;T athletes from Fairmont State University were assessed using an impedance device (In Body 570). Nutritional behavior was assessed by a 3-day food log. Balance was measured by the time of holding a handstand in seconds. BMI, whole body, and truncal fat percentage were higher in base athletes when compared to tops (p˂0.05). When associating balance with the variables, skeletal muscle mass was positively associated with balance (r=0.49, p˂0.05), and the percentage of fat and fat accumulation in the lower limbs were negatively associated (r=-0.47 and -0.48, respectively p˂0.05). When the association was tested within the position, the percentage of skeletal muscle mass and fat was only associated with balance in top athletes. Thus, training strategies to increment skeletal muscle mass and decrease body fat should be the focus to improve the balance of top A&amp;T athletes. 

Impact of short term training on morphological, physical fitness and physiological variables of middle distance runners

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of short term training on morphological, physical fitness and physiological determinants of middle distance runners. Method: Total of 97 male volunteers (age: 18-20 yrs.) (40- sedentary control, and 57- middle distance runners) were included randomly, and 17 middle distance runners were excluded. The rest were divided into (a) Sedentary Control Group (SCG, n = 40) and (b) Middle Distance Runners Group (MDR, n = 40). The volunteers of MDR followed a training schedule of 2 hrs/d, 5days/wk., for 6 wks.; no training was given in SCG. Results: A significant (p &lt; .05) increase in strength (of grip, back, leg, upper body strength, abdominal), anaerobic power, flexibility, VO2max, FEV1, FVC, PEFR; and decrease (p &lt; .05) in body mass, body fat and sprint time, heart rate (during rest, sub-maximal exercise and recovery) among the volunteers of MDR after 6 weeks of training. This study showed positive correlation between standing broad jump and height (r = +0.51, p &lt; .05); and between speed and leg strength (r = +0.52, p &lt; .05). Conclusion: Training have a positive impact on morphological, physical fitness and physiological variables of middle distance runners. Further research would provide conclusive results that can be extrapolated to general population.

Resistance training diminishes mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training in healthy untrained men.

We investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training (RT) on the performance and molecular adaptations to a subsequent period of endurance training (ET). Twenty-five young adults were divided into an RT+ET group (n=13), which underwent 7weeks of RT followed by 7weeks of ET, and an ET-only group (n=12), which performed 7weeks of ET. Body composition, endurance performance and muscle biopsies were collected before RT (T1, baseline for RT+ET), before ET (T2, after RT for RT+ET and baseline for ET) and after ET (T3). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine fibre cross-sectional area (fCSA), myonuclear content, myonuclear domain size, satellite cell number and mitochondrial content. Western blots were used to quantify markers of mitochondrial remodelling. Citrate synthase activity and markers of ribosome content were also investigated. RT improved body composition and strength, increased vastus lateralis thickness, mixed and type II fCSA, myonuclear number, markers of ribosome content, and satellite cell content (P<0.050). In response to ET, both groups similarly decreased body fat percentage (P<0.0001) and improved endurance performance (e.g. , and speed at which the onset of blood lactate accumulation occurred, P<0.0001). Levels of mitochondrial complexes I-IV in the ET-only group increased 32-66%, while those in the RT+ET group increased 1-11% (time, P<0.050). Additionally, mixed fibre relative mitochondrial content increased 15% in the ET-only group but decreased 13% in the RT+ET group (interaction, P=0.043). In conclusion, RT performed prior to ET had no additional benefits to ET adaptations. Moreover, prior RT seemed to impair mitochondrial adaptations to ET. KEY POINTS: Resistance training is largely underappreciated as a method to improve endurance performance, despite reports showing it may improve mitochondrial function. Although several concurrent training studies are available, in this study we investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training on the performance and molecular adaptations to subsequent endurance training. Prior resistance training did not improve endurance performance and impaired most mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training, but this effect may have been a result of detraining from resistance training.

Optimising blood glucose control with portioned meal box in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a randomised control trial.

The impact of dietary factors on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well established. However, the effectiveness of transforming portion control into a practical innovation for glycaemic control in T2DM has not yet been established for counselling in nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of general counselling in nutrition (GCN) and a portioned meal box (PMB) on fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body composition. A randomised, parallel intervention trial was conducted over 12 weeks, with GCN: carbohydrate portion control concept by using food exchange lists (n = 25) and PMB: portioned meal box was set by energy requirements (n = 25). Both GCN and PMB demonstrated reductions in HbA1c levels at the 6th and 12th weeks compared to baseline. However, no significant difference in HbA1c was observed between GCN and PMB at either the 6th or 12th week. Using PMB at least four times a week significantly decreased HbA1c during the intervention period (p = 0.021 and p < 0.001 for weeks 6 and 12 when compared with baseline, respectively). Changes in body composition were observed: body weight decrease in PMB only, body fat decrease and constant muscle mass in both groups. Both methods tended to relieve hunger and increased satiety in both groups. The satisfaction evaluation showed that participants preferred to use PMB over GCN (p = 0.001). Additionally, participants consumed less energy, carbohydrate and fat in PMB (p = 0.001, p = 0.019, and p = 0.001, respectively) and less energy and fat in GCN (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). A better diet, either through GCN or PMB, can play an important role in improving dietary intake compliance and controlling blood glucose.