Decrease In Fat-free Mass Research Articles

Association Between Indole-3-Pyruvic Acid and Change in Fat-Free Mass Relative to Weight Loss in Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy typically leads to weight loss, including a reduction in fat-free mass (FFM). Studies have shown significant FFM loss within 1 year after the procedure but with individual variations. This study aimed to assess whether preoperative amino acid metabolite levels can predict FFM changes following sleeve gastrectomy. This study involved 42 patients. Body weight, fat mass (FM), and FFM were measured preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. All participants experienced weight loss, FM reduction, and FFM decrease for up to 3 months after surgery. However, the following distinct groups emerged from 3 to 6 months postoperatively: one showed FFM gain relative to weight loss, whereas the other exhibited continued FFM reduction relative to weight loss. This trend persisted for up to 12 months postoperatively and became more pronounced. The group with FFM gain had lower preoperative BMI and higher levels of indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA). Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses confirmed IPyA's ability to predict FFM gain between 3 and 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy, with a useful cutoff value of 20.205. Preoperative IPyA levels were associated with FFM gain relative to weight loss in the 3 to 6 months following sleeve gastrectomy. These findings suggest that IPyA may be a potential predictor for FFM changes during this period.

Prevalence and Predictors of Normal-Weight Obesity among Women.

The present study aimed to (a) assess normal-weight obesity (NWO) and general obesity prevalence among women of different ages residing in urban areas, (b) evaluate subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in women with NWO, (c) establish SFT cutoff points for distinguishing NWO, and (d) explore eating habits linked to NWO. This cross-sectional study with 184 women aged 18-65 with NWO, normal weight without obesity (NWNO), overweight and general obesity included evaluation of body composition, SFT assessment using 2.5 MHz A-mode ultrasound (ISAK protocol, 7 sites) and lifestyle inquiries. The curvilinear relationship between body fat and BMI rendered BMI an unreliable indicator of adiposity in women with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Almost 30% of women with a high body fat percentage (BFP ≥ 30%) were misclassified when BMI was used to measure adiposity. The overall obesity prevalence defined by BFP was almost four times higher than that defined by BMI (56.0 vs. 18.0%, p = 1 × 10-4). Women with NWO, overweight and general obesity shared a similar SFT profile and eating habits, setting them apart from those with NWNO. The mean SFT was the most reliable NWO predictor, with a threshold set at 12 mm equal to the 66th percentile. Mean SFT accurately classified 85% of women with NWO. While age did not significantly affect subcutaneous fat accumulation, total fat levels increased with age (R2 = 0.07 and R2 = 0.19, padj = 0.1 and padj = 9 × 10-4). Higher NWO prevalence in middle-aged women was linked to age-related increase in fat mass and decrease in fat-free mass. Engaging in regular physical activity and reducing snack consumption effectively countered age-related changes in body composition (padj < 0.05). Women under 45 years who consumed sweet bakery items, fast food, and snacks more frequently showed higher BFP and NWO status (padj < 0.05). Prevention strategies should focus on monitoring body composition and promoting healthy behaviors, particularly among young women transitioning into adulthood and women over 45 years.

Evaluation of body shape as a human body composition assessment in isolated conditions and remote environments

Individuals in isolated and extreme environments can experience debilitating side-effects including significant decreases in fat-free mass (FFM) from disuse and inadequate nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the strengths and weaknesses of three-dimensional optical (3DO) imaging for monitoring body composition in either simulated or actual remote environments. Thirty healthy adults (ASTRO, male = 15) and twenty-two Antarctic Expeditioners (ABCS, male = 18) were assessed for body composition. ASTRO participants completed duplicate 3DO scans while standing and inverted by gravity boots plus a single dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. The inverted scans were an analog for fluid redistribution from gravity changes. An existing body composition model was used to estimate fat mass (FM) and FFM from 3DO meshes. 3DO body composition estimates were compared to DXA with linear regression and reported with the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). ABCS participants received only duplicate 3DO scans on a monthly basis. Standing ASTRO meshes achieved an R2 of 0.76 and 0.97 with an RMSE of 2.62 and 2.04 kg for FM and FFM, while inverted meshes achieved an R2 of 0.52 and 0.93 with an RMSE of 2.84 and 3.23 kg for FM and FFM, respectively, compared to DXA. For the ABCS arm, mean weight, FM, and FFM changes were −0.47, 0.06, and −0.54 kg, respectively. Simulated fluid redistribution decreased the accuracy of estimated body composition values from 3DO scans. However, FFM stayed robust. 3DO imaging showed good absolute accuracy for body composition assessment in isolated and remote environments.

6-week time-restricted eating improves body composition, maintains exercise performance, without exacerbating eating disorder in female DanceSport dancers.

Despite the high risk of eating disorder (ED)-related attitudes and behaviors among female dancers, targeted scientific dietary regimens are currently inadequate. Time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular intermittent fasting protocol, has been shown to be effective in enhancing body composition and exercise performance in athletes. In this study, TRE was employed as a dietary regimen to improve body composition and exercise performance and address ED attitudes and behaviors in DanceSport dancers. Twenty female DanceSport dancers were recruited and divided into two groups: TRE (n = 10) and normal diet (ND) (n = 10). The TRE group consumed their self-selected necessary energy intake exclusively between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (utilizing a 16-hour fasting and 8-hour eating window) for 6 weeks, while the ND group maintained their regular dieting patterns. The consumption of water, black tea, or coffee without added sugar or milk was not restricted. Physical activity and calorie intake were systematically recorded during the TRE intervention. Body composition, aerobic and anaerobic performance, and ED attitudes and behaviors were assessed before and after the TRE intervention. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the identifier ChiCTR2200063780. The fixed effects tests (p < 0.0001) and estimates for the intercept (p < 0.0001) of hunger level indicated a noticeable effect on the initial state of hunger during TRE. No significant differences were observed in ED attitudes or behaviors (p > 0.05). TRE resulted in a reduction in hip circumference (p = 0.039), fat mass (kg) (p = 0.0004), and body fat percentage (p = 0.0005), with no significant decrease in fat-free mass (p > 0.05). No significant improvement was observed in aerobic performance (p > 0.05). The average power (AP) (p = 0.01) and AP/Body weight ratio (p = 0.003) significantly increased. Additionally, the power drop decreased significantly (p = 0.019). Group-by-time interactions were observed for fat mass (kg) (p = 0.01), body fat percentage (p = 0.035), and AP/Body weight (p = 0.020). TRE can be considered a feasible nutritional strategy for DanceSport dancers, facilitating improvements in body composition without compromising aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance or exacerbating ED attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, TRE may facilitate more favorable physiological adaptations, potentially contributing to improved exercise performance.

The effect of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation on body weight, body composition, and muscle function during alternate-day fasting (ADF)

During weight loss the loss of body mass is associated not only with body fat reduction but also with a decrease in fat-free mass (FFM), related to the reduction in muscle mass and function(1). Supplementation with long-chain n-3 fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA), in the absence of caloric restriction, results in a significant decrease in fat mass and an increase in FFM(2) along with improvements in muscle mass and strength(3). However, the impact of supplementation with LCn-3 PUFA during weight loss) remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation, in the form of Krill oil (KO), during alternate day fasting (ADF) on body weight, fat mass loss, FFM and muscle function changes in healthy overweight and obese adults.A total of 41 men and women (age: 39.35 ± 10.4 years, BMI: 31.05 ± 4.2 kg/m2) completed the study (NCT06001632), in which they were randomised into either a KO or Placebo (PL) groups. Both groups carried out 8-weeks of ADF combined with intake of 4 g/day of the corresponding supplements. ADF involved consuming no more than 500 calories on the 'fast day’ and consuming food ad libitum on each 'feed day’. Data on body weight and body composition (TBF-300, Tanita, Manchester, UK), handgrip strength (Handheld Hydraulic Dynamometer, Vernier Jamar; England, UK), and time to conduct 5 repetition of chair rising test were obtained pre-and post-intervention. Changes from baseline within groups were assessed using paired samples t-test. Mixed analysis of variance (Mixed-ANOVA) was used to measure 2-way interactions between time and group to identify the differences between groups. All statistical analysis were conducted using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS 28.0.In both groups, body mass decreased significantly (KO:-4.7 ± 0.4kg, p&lt;0.001; PL:-4.5 ± 0.4kg, p&lt;0.001), along with a significant reduction in fat mass (KO:-2.4 ± 0.5kg p&lt;0.001; PL:-2.3 ± 0.5kg p&lt;0.001), and FFM (KO:-0.6 ± 0.2kg p&lt;0.001; PL:-0.7 ± 0.2kg, p&lt;0.001), with no differences between groups. In the PL group, there was a reduction in handgrip strength (-0.9 ± 0.7 kg, p&lt;0.001), while there was no change in KO group (-0.2 ± 0.5 kg, p=0.1), with a significant difference between groups (p&lt;0.001). In the KO group there was a significant reduction in time to conduct chair rising test (-1.8 ± 0.9s, p&lt;0.05), with no change in the PL group (-0.3 ± 1.3s, p=0.2), with a significant difference between groups (p&lt;0.001).Supplementation with LCn-3 PUFA (4 g/day) during 8 weeks of ADF, applied to individuals living with overweigh and obesity, does not facilitate body or fat mass loss and does not diminish the reduction in FFM. However, it attenuated the reduction in muscle function in healthy overweight and obese adults.

Adding Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D to Whey Protein Is More Effective than Protein Alone in Preserving Fat Free Mass and Muscle Strength in the First Month after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most commonly performed weight loss (WL) bariatric procedures. The main goal of WL is reducing total body weight (TBW) and fat mass (FM). However, TBW loss is systematically accompanied by a decline in fat-free mass (FFM), predominantly in the first post-surgical month, despite protein supplementation. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and vitamin D seem to attenuate loss of FFM and, thus, reduce the decline in muscle strength (MS). However, data on the role of an integrated supplementation with whey protein plus BCAAs plus vitamin D (P+BCAAs+Vit.D) vs. protein alone on total weight loss (TWL), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and (MS) in the first month after SG are lacking. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of P+BCAAs+Vit.D vs. protein alone supplementation on TWL, FM, FFM, and MS in the first month after SG. Before SG and at 1 month afterward, we prospectively measured and compared TBW, FM, FFM, and MS in 57 patients who received either a supplementation with P+BCAAs+Vit.D (n = 31) or protein alone (n = 26). The impact of P+BCAAs+Vit.D and protein alone supplementation on clinical status was also evaluated. Despite non-significant variation in TBW, FM decreased more significantly (18.5% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.023) with the P+BCAA+Vit.D supplementation compared to protein alone. Furthermore, the P+BCAA+Vit.D group showed a significantly lower decrease in FFM (4.1% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001) and MS (3.8% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001) compared to the protein alone group. No significant alterations in clinical status were seen in either group. P+BCAA+Vit.D supplementation is more effective than protein alone in determining FM loss and is associated with a lower decrease in FFM and MS, without interfering with clinical status in patients 1 month after SG.

Association between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk among Samoan adults.

Recent studies suggest that early menarche may increase cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Yet few studies have examined this association in the Pacific Islands, where obesity prevalence is among the highest globally. We sought to examine associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk in Samoa. Participants were from the Soifua Manuia study (n = 285, age 32-72 years) conducted in Samoa from 2017 to 2019. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome per one-year increase in age at menarche. Linear regressions were conducted to examine associations between age at menarche and continuous measures of adiposity, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and serum lipids. Median age at menarche was 14 years (IQR = 2). After controlling for relevant covariates, each one-year increase in age at menarche was associated with a 15% decrease (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.01, p = .067) in odds of hypertension, but a 21% increase (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45, p = .044) in odds of diabetes and 18% increase (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98-1.42, p = .081) in odds of high total cholesterol. Each additional year in age at menarche was associated with a 1.60 ± 0.52 kg (p = .002) decrease in lean mass and 1.56 ± 0.51 kg (p = .003) decrease in fat-free mass. Associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk may be population-specific and are likely influenced by both current and historical nutritional and epidemiological contexts. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of childhood adiposity and other early life exposures on age at menarche and subsequent cardiometabolic risk.

Cardiometabolic Effects of DOCA-Salt in Mice Depend on Ambient Temperature.

Mice prefer warmer environments than humans. For this reason, behavioral and physiological thermoregulatory responses are engaged by mice in response to a standard room temperature of 22 to 24 °C. Autonomic mechanisms mediating thermoregulatory responses overlap with mechanisms activated in hypertension, and, therefore, we hypothesized that housing at thermoneutral temperatures (TNs; 30 °C) would modify the cardiometabolic effects of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt in mice. The effects of DOCA-salt treatment upon ingestive behaviors, energy expenditure, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and core temperature were assessed in C57BL/6J mice housed at room temperature or TN. Housing at TN reduced food intake, energy expenditure, blood pressure, and HR and attenuated HR responses to acute autonomic blockade by chlorisondamine. At room temperature, DOCA-salt caused expected increases in fluid intake, sodium retention in osmotically inactive pools, blood pressure, core temperature, and also caused expected decreases in fat-free mass, total body water, and HR. At TN, the effects of DOCA-salt upon fluid intake, fat gains, hydration, and core temperature were exaggerated, but effects on energy expenditure and HR were blunted. Effects of DOCA-salt upon blood pressure were similar for 3 weeks and exaggerated by TN housing in the fourth week. Ambient temperature robustly influences behavioral and physiological functions in mice, including metabolic and cardiovascular phenotype development in response to DOCA-salt treatment. Studying cardiometabolic responses of mice at optimal ambient temperatures promises to improve the translational relevance of rodent models.

STROKE PREVENTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF BOBATH EXERCISE IN THE ELDERLY IN BIRINGKANAYA, MAKASSAR CITY

The high elderly population in Indonesia encourages the need for efforts to create healthy and independent elderly. One of the impacts of the high population of elderly people is a decrease in the musculoskeletal system, a decrease in fat free mass or an increase in fat mass, which causes a decrease in muscle strength. Physical activity and physical exercise in the elderly are the main strategies that can play a role in preventing and slowing down the decline in function caused by aging and prevent the elderly from getting a stroke. This Community Service activity aims to increase community knowledge and skills in preventing and using bobath exercises in the elderly. This activity was carried out in Berua Village, Biringkanaya District, Makassar City in June 2023 which was attended by the elderly community, health cadres, community leaders and students. Implementation of activities with the method of lectures, discussions, demonstrations and practice in the elderly and post stroke patients. Evaluation of the activity begins with a pre-test regarding the participants' knowledge and skills in stroke and after several demonstrations, a post-test is carried out. The results of the activity showed that all participants experienced increased knowledge and skills in preventing and implementing bobath in the elderly. The conclusion from this community service activity is that the participants' knowledge and skills have increased after being given education about the prevention and application of bobath in the elderly and stroke patients.

Concept of an Intervention for Sustainable Weight Loss in Postmenopausal Women with Overweight-Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Dietary Intervention Study.

The approach of an individual diet has great potential for sustainable weight reduction. Social support, participation and empowerment are also key factors for high motivation and compliance. So, the impact of an individual diet in combination with group sessions on weight loss in postmenopausal women with overweight was investigated. In this reanalysis of a controlled intervention study, postmenopausal women (n = 54; BMI 30.9 ± 3.4 kg/m2; 59 ± 7 years) were recruited receiving an energy restricted diet for 12 weeks, followed by a six-month follow-up phase. The women received 51 individual meal plans based on their habits and were trained in four group sessions. Forty-six women completed the intervention phase, and 29 completed the follow-up. Average weight loss was -5.8 ± 3.0 kg (p < 0.001) after 12 weeks and was still significant at follow-up (-4.9 ± 5.4 kg, p < 0.001). Also, decreases in fat-free mass (-1.1 ± 1.2 kg, p < 0.001) and resting energy expenditure (-1096 ± 439 kJ/24 h, p < 0.001) were observed. The individual nutrition approach with a focus on nutritype in combination with group sessions was effective for long-lasting weight loss in postmenopausal women. An important factor is close individual and group support.

Development of postural disorders in schoolchildren

Introduction. Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system have been occupying the leading place in morbidity among schoolchildren for a long time. Our research aim was to examine peculiarities of developing postural disorders in schoolchildren from different age groups. Materials and methods. We examined seventy two primary schoolchildren (their average age was 8.19±0.32 years); 87 middle schoolchildren (12.94±0.24 years); and 54 senior schoolchildren (16.65±0.21 years). These test groups were comparable for gender and social background. The health of the musculoskeletal system was assessed on the base on data of a medical examination and results by laboratory tests (phosphor-calcium metabolism); postural disorders were examined as per surfaces with a computer optical topographer; bone mineral density was determined by ultrasound osteodensitometry; body composition was assessed with bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Results. Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system were detected in 77-83.3% schoolchildren. Each second child in primary and middle school had deforming dorsopathy and each second senior school student had scoliosis. We established a probability of developing scoliosis to be by 5.9 times higher in senior school. Children in primary school predominantly had twisting postural disorders (28.4%) and swayback (11.1%) accompanied with the lower phase angle, a lower share of active muscle mass detected with BIA and osteopenia developing in ¼ cases. 16.1-26.1% of middle schoolchildren had twisting postural disorders and kyphosis, 57.9% children in this age group had lower contents of ionized calcium in blood, 28% had osteopenia and a decrease in fat-free mass detected with BIA. Scoliosis in senior schoolchildren (51.9%) and kyphotic-lordotic back (24.1%) were accompanied with lower contents of phosphor and alkaline phosphatase, developing apparent osteopenia (18.4%) and lower mineral mass. We established the probability of postural disorders developing in three surfaces to be 3.3 times higher among teenagers in senior school. Limitations. The results of the studies can only be extrapolated to the population of 7-17 years children of both genders. Conclusion. We revealed certain peculiarities of developing postural disorders in schoolchildren. They can be used in implementing health-preserving technologies in schools as well as in developing new hygienic and organizational approaches to the conditions of the educational process in schools.

Female‐Specific Features of Metabolic Syndrome in an LH Congenic Rat

Central obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance are a collection of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that form the basis of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and represent a major public health burden worldwide. The phenotypes that define MetS are all highly heritable, but their genetic complexity necessitates the use of animal models to tease apart novel pathways.The Lyon Hypertensive (LH) rat is a well‐characterized model of MetS, exhibiting spontaneous and profound differences in features of MetS compared to its metabolically healthy control, the Lyon Normotensive (LN) rat. To understand the genomic causes of MetS in the LH rat, we developed a congenic rat model, where a portion of LN chromosome 17 is introgressed on the LH genomic background. Our hypothesis was that differences in metabolic features between the LH controls and the congenic rats (LH17LNa) would be due to the replaced region of the genome. Male and female LH17LNa rats and LH controls were phenotyped for a variety of MetS characteristics, including weekly body growth until tissue collection at 15 weeks of age, body composition by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age, metabolic rate (Promethion system) between 10 and 12 weeks of age, and adipose tissue collection and histological examination.We observed a significant decrease in total body growth in female congenics, beginning at 12 weeks of age and persisting throughout the rest of the study. Prior to the divergence in body weight, female congenics showed significant increases in fat mass and significant decreases in fat free mass that remained consistent at all timepoints measured. We also found significant female‐specific decreases in metabolic rate. Tissue collection revealed the source of the increased adiposity in the female LH17LNa rats was specific to abdominal white adipose tissue, and this phenomenon was further explained by significant hypertrophy in those adipocytes, with no evidence of adipocyte hyperplasia.Genome resequencing of the parental strains identified a nonsense mutation in Ercc6l2, implicating this gene as a strong contender underlying the phenotype differences in the congenics. Ercc6l2 is a helicase involved in transcription‐coupled DNA repair, which is specifically mobilized to repair oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage in post‐mitotic cells. Truncating mutations in Ercc6l2 have previously been implicated in genome instability and premature aging in hematopoetic stem cells in patients with bone marrow failure. The discovery of the significance of Ercc6l2 in the context of female‐specific adipocyte biology could represent a novel role of DNA repair syndromes in MetS pathogenesis.

Low Sodium Supply in Early Life Causes Growth Restriction and Programs Long‐Term Changes in Energy Homeostasis

Preterm birth is a risk factor for the development of a multitude of diseases later in life. Preterm infants are also at risk for growth failure following parturition, which further compounds the adverse effects of preterm birth. Previous studies have shown that prematurely born human infants’ kidneys are inefficient at retaining sodium, therefore putting these infants at high risk of sodium depletion. We have developed a “post‐wean” dietary manipulation to model early‐life sodium depletion. In this model, mice are fed variations of soy‐free 2920x diet (Teklad); low‐sodium (0.04% Na, n=6), or high/normal‐sodium (0.30% Na, n=8), from weaning at week three of life, until week six of life. At six weeks of age, all mice are switched back to the “standard” 2920x diet (0.15% Na). Food and water intake behaviors, physical activity, energy expenditure, and body composition of the mice were serially analyzed using a multiplexed phenotyping system (Promethion, Sable Systems International) and time‐domain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR; Bruker LF110). Mice supplied low‐Na between 3‐6 weeks of age exhibited delayed growth during weeks 3‐6, then rapid “catch‐up growth” following return to “normal” diet in week 6, and similar growth kinetics to the high‐Na group thereafter (diet x age interaction p&lt;0.01). The delay in body mass expansion in the low‐Na group was due to a decrease in fat‐free mass (diet x age interaction p&lt;0.01). Mice fed low‐Na diet exhibited reduced food intake (diet p&lt;0.01), due to slower eating speed (diet p&lt;0.01) and meal size (diet p=0.01). The reduced food intake relative to body composition was sustained through 18 weeks of age (diet x age interaction p=0.93). Water intake was also increased in mice treated with low‐Na diet both during diet intervention and through 18 weeks of age (diet p&lt;0.01), due to an increased number of drinking bouts (diet p&lt;0.01) of comparable size (diet p=0.46). Total aerobic energy expenditure was increased in mice fed the low‐Na diet, even after correction for body composition (diet p&lt;0.01). Mice treated with low‐Na diet in early life also exhibited an increase in energy expenditure that was maintained through 18 weeks of age (diet x age p&gt;0.99), even after correction for body composition and for differences in food intake. Finally, mice treated with low‐Na diet demonstrate a reduction in calories that are unaccounted for by these methods (diet p&lt;0.01, diet x age interaction p=0.68). In conclusion, post‐wean sodium depletion causes growth failure and changes in body composition that parallel premature human infant growth failure. Profoundly, this relatively simple 3‐week diet switch causes changes in intake behaviors and energy expenditure that are then “programmed” for at least another 12 weeks after switch back to a “normal” diet. These findings support our working hypothesis that early‐life sodium supply impacts energy homeostasis and growth kinetics and prompts reconsideration of current guidelines concerning sodium supplementation to prematurely born and low‐birthweight infants.

Ongoing Community-Based Whole-Food, Plant-Based Lifestyle Effectively Preserves Muscle Mass during Body Mass Loss

Body fat and muscle mass showed opposing associations with mortality. The results of research on the effectiveness of popular body mass (BM) loss diets in obese subjects showed 20 to 30% loss of muscle mass within the total BM loss; conversely, when the subjects used a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet, the loss was up to 42%. Therefore, we suggest an improvement. The aim of this retrospective analysis of data was to examine the assessment of changes in the body composition of 217 participants from all over Slovenia who joined our ongoing, community-based WFPB lifestyle programme from 2016 to 2021 and underwent two successive measurements of medically approved bioelectrical impedance. The WFPB lifestyle programme consisted of (i) nutrition, (ii) physical activity (PA) and (iii) a support system. The primary outcomes included the (vector of) change of body fat mass (BFM) per body height (BH), fat-free mass (FFM) per BH and whole-body phase angle (PhA) from the initial values to the first follow-up (FU) of the whole sample and for both sexes. Further, we examined the FFM change within the total BM loss according to their BMI classification and depending on how much BM they lost (5 kg &lt; BM ≥ 5 kg) within the FU time (103.6 ± 89.8 day). Participants experienced a decrease in BFM per BH (−0.02 ± 0.02 kg/cm, p &lt; 0.001), no change in FFM and an increase in PhA (0.2 ± 0.7°, p &lt; 0.001). Importantly, the participants in the obesity BMI class achieved only partial FFM preservation (−1.5 ± 3.6 kg, p = 0.032 of FFM loss (20%) within −7.5 ± 6.1 kg, p &lt; 0.001 of BM loss). However, the participants who lost BM &lt; 5 kg had a significantly increased FFM (0.8 ± 3.2 kg, p = 0.001 of FFM (57%) within −1.4 ± 1.8 kg, p &lt; 0.001 of BM loss), whereas the participants who lost BM ≥ 5 kg experienced a decrease in FFM (−2.2 ± 3.9 kg, p &lt; 0.001 of FFM (−25%) within −8.8 ± 5.2 kg, p &lt; 0.001 of BM loss). To conclude, the WFPB lifestyle, on average, effectively preserved FFM during BM and/or BFM loss among the normal and pre-obesity BMI classes but only partially among the obese BMI class and those who lost ≥ 5 kg of BM. Importantly, a customized PA strategy is needed for obese BMI class participants, where general resistance training is not possible or safe in order to preserve their muscle mass more effectively. In addition, muscle mass preservation is important for further improvements of BM, body composition and visual body image.

Gender Differences in Body Composition in Pre-Frail Older Adults With Diabetes Mellitus.

Background & AimsAgeing is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus (DM) and frailty. It is associated with body composition changes including increase in fat mass (FM), central fat distribution, decrease in fat free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle which are risk factors for DM. This study aims to evaluate gender differences in body composition in pre-frail diabetics and association with physical performance, cognitive function and perceived health. In addition, we aim to explore the association of obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and body composition in pre-frail older adults to DM status.MethodsCross-sectional study of 192 pre-frail community dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years). Data was collected on demographics, physical function, cognition, frailty, sarcopenia, perceived health and body composition using the InBody S10. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were undertaken to explore the association of sarcopenic obesity, obesity, sarcopenia and body composition measures to DM status.ResultsThere were insignificant within-gender differences for physical function, cognition and body composition, except for a higher prevalence of obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%), increased fat mass index(FMI) and fat free mass index(FFMI) in females with DM. There were significant between-gender differences for those with DM where females overall had lower education levels, lower perceived health, higher prevalence of depression and low mental vitality, lower overall physical function (low short physical performance battery scores, low gait speed and hand grip strength), lower cognitive scores, lower muscle mass and muscle quality with higher FMI, FM/FFM and visceral fat area(VFA). BMI, VFA>100 cm2, FMI and FFMI were found to be independently associated with DM status after multivariable adjustment.ConclusionWithin pre-frail DM vs non-DM, there were insignificant differences in body composition, physical function, cognition and perceived health within gender except for FMI, BF% and FFMI in females. There were significant differences between gender in pre-frail DM in muscle mass, quality, functional, cognitive and mental status. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand the pathogenesis, trajectory of DM and protective role of oral hypoglycemics in pre-frail older adults.

Stress and the gut-brain axis: Cognitive performance, mood state, and biomarkers of blood-brain barrier and intestinal permeability following severe physical and psychological stress

BackgroundPhysical and psychological stress alter gut-brain axis activity, potentially causing intestinal barrier dysfunction that may, in turn, induce cognitive and mood impairments through exacerbated inflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. These interactions are commonly studied in animals or artificial laboratory environments. However, military survival training provides an alternative and unique human model for studying the impacts of severe physical and psychological stress on the gut-brain axis in a realistic environment. PurposeTo determine changes in intestinal barrier and BBB permeability during stressful military survival training and identify relationships between those changes and markers of stress, inflammation, cognitive performance, and mood state. Materials and methodsSeventy-one male U.S. Marines (25.2 ± 2.6 years) were studied during Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. Measurements were conducted on day 2 of the 10-day classroom phase of training (PRE), following completion of the 7.5-day field-based simulation phase of the training (POST), and following a 27-day recovery period (REC). Fat-free mass (FFM) was measured to assess the overall physiologic impact of the training. Biomarkers of intestinal permeability (liposaccharide-binding protein [LBP]) and BBB permeability (S100 calcium-binding protein B [S100B]), stress (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S] epinephrine, norepinephrine) and inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) were measured in blood. Cognitive performance was assessed by psychomotor vigilance (PVT) and grammatical reasoning (GR) tests, and mood state by the Profile of Mood States (total mood disturbance; TMD), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health (PHQ-9) questionnaires. ResultsFFM, psychomotor vigilance, and LBP decreased from PRE to POST, while TMD, anxiety, and depression scores, and S100B, DHEA-S, IL-6, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations all increased (all p ≤ 0.01). Increases in DHEA-S were associated with decreases in body mass (p = 0.015). Decreases in FFM were associated with decreases in LBP concentrations (p = 0.015), and both decreases in FFM and LBP were associated with increases in TMD and depression scores (all p < 0.05) but not with changes in cognitive performance. Conversely, increases in S100B concentrations were associated with decreases in psychomotor vigilance (p < 0.05) but not with changes in mood state or LBP concentrations. ConclusionsEvidence of increased intestinal permeability was not observed in this military survival training-based model of severe physical and psychological stress. However, increased BBB permeability was associated with stress and cognitive decline, while FFM loss was associated with mood disturbance, suggesting that distinct mechanisms may contribute to decrements in cognitive performance and mood state during the severe physical and psychological stress experienced during military survival training.

Динамика компонентного состава тела детей с ожирением на фоне гипокалорийной диеты в условиях стационара

Objective. To study the dynamics of body composition parameters in obese children against the background of hypocaloric diet in inpatient settings. Patients and methods. This study enrolled 89 children aged 5 to 17 (13 [12; 15]) years, of whom 44% were boys. The inpatient treatment program for obesity included a low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet with an energy value of 1668 kcal/day and therapeutic exercise. To assess the effectiveness of treatment, the clinical and anthropometric examination and body composition evaluation by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the InBody 770 stationary analyzer (Biospace Co. Ltd., Korea) were performed at the beginning and at the end of inpatient treatment. Body fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), the amount of total body water, extracellular and intracellular fluid, protein, minerals, and the phase angle were determined. Results. At the beginning of the study, all children were found to have excess FM, and 47 (58%) had an increase in FFM due to muscle mass and intracellular fluid. By the end of treatment, there was a decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI SDS, waist and hip circumference (p &lt; 0.001) in all children. The amount of body fat decreased by 4.15% [2,6; 6,7]. Most children showed a statistically significant decrease in all FFM components by 2.4-2.7%. Protein loss during hospitalization was 0.3 kg [0.1; 0.4], mineral loss was 0.07 kg [0.01; 0.14]. The phase angle value at the beginning of the study was 5.5 [5.1; 6.1], at the end of the study – 5.4 [5.1; 5.9], p = 0.07. Conclusion. As a result of short-term adherence to the hypocaloric diet in inpatient settings, all children with obesity demonstrated a decrease in both FM and FFM against the background of a statistically significant decrease in BMI SDS. A comprehensive approach to treatment, combining the recommended calorie intake with the amount of protein according to the age group and structured physical activity, is necessary to preserve FFM in order to maintain resting energy expenditure. Body composition monitoring is required during the treatment of obesity. Key words: obesity, children, treatment, hypocaloric diet, fat-free mass, fat mass, body composition

Changes in Body Composition and Activity Levels of a Division-1 Football Team During COVID-19

Introduction: The effect that training cessation due to the COVID-19 pandemic had on a Division-1 football team’s activity levels and body composition.Methods: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were taken in February and upon return to campus during the athletic department’s normal medical screenings. To measure the athletes’ activity during the suspended activity period the validated Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) was given to the athletes to confidentially complete. Along with the MAQ were two rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales that corresponded to cardiovascular work or strength work.Results: Strength/Weight training was the most frequent activity recorded during this time (n = 56) with an average of 16.14 sessions (SD = 6.92) per-month. Significant fat mass increased and lean mass losses were seen in both linemen/non-linemen. Frequency of training was a significant predictor of lean mass loss in non-linemen but not linemen.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 suspension of activities the athletes saw significant decreases in fat free mass with increases in fat mass and body fat percentage. Although, strength/weight training was the most frequently reported activity undertaken during this time it was still not sufficient to maintain the fat free mass of the athletes.

Continuous energy restriction (CER) plus 16/8 time-restricted feeding improve body composition and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese, but no more than CER alone

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend continuous energy restriction (CER) and lifestyle change as the basis of obesity treatment. Recently, several intermittent fasting protocols have received considerable interest as an alternative weight loss strategy. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of 8-week CER versus CER along with 16/8 time-restricted feeding (16/8 TRF) on body composition and metabolic markers in excess weight physically active subjects. METHODS: Twenty-four physically active obese or overweight adults, from both genders, were split into two groups: CER plus 16/8 TRF (CER + TRF) and CER. Both groups consumed a 20%energy restriction diet. CER plus 16/8 TRF were asked to consume their meals during an 8-hour open window (12 to 20 pm). We evaluated body composition and metabolic biomarkers before and after the intervention. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fat mass (FM) in both groups. However, a decrease in fat-free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was seen only in the CER. Although fasting glucose did not change, we observed a decrease in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in both groups. Leptin decrease in both treatments. Cortisol levels increased only in the CER group. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that CER + TRF is as effective as CER to promote weight and fat loss, but, CER + TRF seems to be more efficient in maintaining lean body mass.

Body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in a wide cohort of patients affected with mild to severe obesity

Obesity is characterized by fat mass excess (FM), extra cellular water increase (ECW) and, with ageing, decrease in fat free mass (FFM). The validity of body impedance analysis (BIA) in patients with mild to severe obesity is still debated. The purpose of this study is to describe the Resistance (Rz) and Reactance (Xc) values obtained by Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) in a wide cohort of Italian patients with mild to severe obesity. The secondary endpoint is to describe the resulting body composition values (as percentage and indexes) in this population. The study enrolled adult in-patients with mild to severe obesity (classified with class I, II and III obesity) undergoing clinical care rehabilitation program for obesity complications and weight loss. BIA values were grouped by sex, BMI and age classes. A total of 8303 patients with obesity, aged 18 to 90y, were studied. The Resistance (Rz) and Reactance (Xc) were reported by sex, age and BMI classes. In women and men both, the phase angle (PhA) decreases with increasing BMI (kg/m2) and the resulting BIA vector was significantly shifted. The FM index (FMI) was higher (p<0.0001) in women while FFM index (FFMI) was higher in men (p<0.0001) and significantly associated with BMI. FFMI decreased with age in both sex (p<0.0001). Skeletal mass (SM) presents a progressive reduction in relation to age and gender both. The present BIA-based body composition analysis in a wide cohort of mild to severe obese patients revealed a significantly decreased Rz and Xc values with a consequent significant decrease of PhA in a BMI-dependent manner. The body compartments estimation with available equations was BMI, sex and age dependent. These observational results could be the basis for the development of new equations adapted for patients suffering from obesity.