Healthy Body Weight Research Articles

AI Diet Consultant Android APP

Today, where eating unhealthy foods and leading sedentary lives have become the norm, diet is extremely important. The maintenance of optimum health, the prevention of chronic diseases, and the promotion of general well-being all depend on proper nutrition. Health and proper nutrition both depend on a balanced diet. Several deteriorations, and non-communicable diseases are protected from you. For optimal health, a balanced diet with low amounts of salt, sugar, saturated fats, and Tran’s fats from industrial manufacture is essential. The significance of a balanced diet for living a healthy life cannot be exaggerated. You may lead a healthy life by eating a balanced diet and making sure you get all the essential nutrients your body needs. Maintaining healthy body weight and reducing the threat of habitual conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular complaint, and colorful cancers are both eased by a sound diet plan. This application gives users access to a sophisticated algorithm that may generate a customized diet plan for them. With the suggested system, users would have access to a simple user interface where they can register for an account, manage it, and order the diet with the click of a single button. The suggested system requires users to first register before requesting their login information. A diet plan that contains meals and other options that must be consumed every day shows after logging into the system. The system then logs the user's diet, and the user can access his or her diet history.

META-ANALYSIS: SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA CASES ARISING FROM MORBUS HANSEN IN DR. SITANALA CENTRAL HOSPITAL (2011-2021)

Highlights: The majority of SCC cases were observed in males (86%), emphasizing a higher susceptibility of males to this form of cancer compared to females (14%). The study identified an increased risk of SCC particularly among individuals in the 46-55 and 56-65 age groups. The study revealed that a significant proportion of Morbus Hansen patients with SCC had a normal weight, while the occurrence of overweight and obesity was relatively low. Maintaining a healthy body weight may play a role in reducing the risk of SCC in this patient population. Abstract: Introduction: Leprosy, a chronic systemic infection caused by Mycobacterium Leprae, has been associated with the development of cutaneous neoplasms, such as squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma arising from Morbus Hansen (leprosy). Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records from Dr. Sitanala Central Hospital was conducted, focusing on patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma arising from Morbus Hansen over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2021. Descriptive analysis was performed on the collected data. Result: In this study, out of the twenty-one patients, the majority were male (86%), and the most common age group affected was between 46 and 55 years, accounting for 43% of the cases. Most patients had Morbus Hansen type BL (borderline lepromatous) and had been living with the condition for an average of 23 years. Additionally, a significant number of patients had a normal body mass index (52%) within the range of 20-24.9. Anemia was the main comorbidity observed, affecting 46% of the patients. Conclusion: Examining the clinical profile of these patients helps healthcare providers identify specific characteristics associated with this condition, further research with more comprehensive data is necessary to ensure accuracy. Future studies could also explore potential connections between hypertension, anemia, and squamous cell carcinoma arising from Morbus Hansen.

Body size over the adult life course and the risk of colorectal cancer.

To assess the associations among several anthropometric measures, as well as BMI trajectories and CRC risk in older women. Prospective cohort study. Forty clinical centres in the USA. 79,034 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. During an average of 15.8 years of follow-up, 1,514 CRC cases were ascertained. Five BMI trajectories over 18 to 50 years of age were identified using growth mixture model. Compared with women who had a normal BMI at age 18, women with obesity at age 18 had a higher risk of CRC (HR 1.58, 95%CI 1.02-2.44). Compared with women who kept relatively low normal body size during adulthood, women who progressed from normal to obesity (HR 1.29, 95%CI 1.09-1.53) and women who progressed from overweight to obesity (HR 1.37, 95%CI 1.13-1.68) had higher CRC risks. A weight gain > 15 kg from age 18 to 50 (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04-1.40) and baseline waist circumference >88 cm (HR 1.33, 95%CI 1.19-1.49) were associated with higher CRC risks, compared to stable weight and waist circumference ≤88cm respectively. Women who have a normal weight in early adult life and gain substantial weight later, as well as those who are persistently heavy over adulthood, demonstrated a higher risk of developing CRC. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight over the life course for reducing the risk of developing CRC in women.

Macrosomia is associated with overweight in childhood: a follow-back of a cohort established in the early years of the obesity epidemic

Objective: Interventions currently recommended to control and prevent obesity have not been successful. Recent research has shifted toward the transgenerational cycle of obesity. We assessed the association between fetal macrosomia and early childhood body weight. Methods: We conducted a follow-back study to link birth certificate data to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) of 2621 United States-born singletons aged 2–6 years. Birth weight and gestational age data were collected from birth certificates. Fetal macrosomia was defined as ≥90th percentile of gestational age-race-sex-parity specific body weight distribution in 1989 vital statistics. Results: With 12.7% (standard error = 0.85%) of participants born macrosomic, the prevalence of obesity and overweight (BMI percentiles ≥85th in the CDC growth chart) among children was 17.8% (1.17%). When the body weight was measured against age-sex-specific height (BMI percentiles), macrosomia was significantly associated with overweight and obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.50) adjusted for family income, maternal age and marital status, race, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and breastfeeding. The association became insignificant after adjusting for postnatal lifestyle and parental body mass index (OR = 1.38 [0.84-2.26]]. When body weight was measured against age, children who were too heavy for their age were more likely to be born macrosomically (OR = 2.64 [1.66-4.22]) than their peers with healthy age-specific body weight. Conclusion: Fetal macrosomia was significantly associated with a doubled risk of heavy body weight in children aged 2–6 years.

Comprehensive effects of lifestyle reform, adherence, and related factors on hypertension control: A review.

Despite the effectiveness of currently available antihypertensive medications, there is still a need for new treatment strategies that are more effective in certain groups of hypertensive and for additional resources to combat hypertension. However, medication non-adherence was previously recognized as a major problem in the treatment of hypertension. The mechanisms behind the positive impacts of lifestyle changes might occur in different ways. In comparison with other studies, the efficacy and effectiveness of lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive pharmaceutical treatment for the prevention and control of hypertension and concomitant cardiovascular disease have been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. However, in this review, the attitudinal lifestyle modifications and barriers to blood pressure control were elaborated on. An effective method for reducing blood pressure (BP) and preventing cardiovascular events with antihypertensive medications has been outlined. Maintaining healthy lifestyle factors (body mass index, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, sodium excretion, and sedentary behavior) could lower systolic blood pressure BP by 3.5 mm Hg and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by about 30%, regardless of genetic susceptibility to hypertension. Conducting a lifestyle intervention using health education could improve lifestyle factors, such as reducing salt, sodium, and fat intake, changing eating habits to include more fruits and vegetables, not smoking, consuming less alcohol, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, and minimizing stressful conditions. Each behavior could affect BP by modulating visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vascular endothelial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and autonomic function. Evidence of the joint effect of antihypertensive medications and lifestyle reforms suggests a pathway to reduce hypertension.

Comparing and Contrasting the Effects of the SGLT Inhibitors Canagliflozin and Empagliflozin on the Progression of Retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of end-stage blindness globally and is arguably one of the most disabling complications of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have now been successfully introduced to clinical medicine and exert multiple beneficial effects in diabetic patients. Given the broad therapeutic application of SGLT2 inhibitors, we hypothesised that SGLT2 inhibition may alleviate the progression of DR. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of two clinically available SGLT2 inhibitors, Empagliflozin and Canagliflozin, on the progression of Retinopathy and DR using well-characterised mouse models, Kimba and Akimba, respectively. Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin (25 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered to 10-week-old mice via drinking water for 8-weeks. Urine glucose levels were measured to ascertain SGLT2 inhibition promoted glucose excretion. Weekly body weight and water intake measurements were obtained. After 8-weeks of treatment, body weight, daily water intake, fasting blood glucose levels were measured and eye tissue was harvested. The retinal vasculature was assessed using immunofluorescence. Empagliflozin treated Akimba mice exhibited metabolic benefits suggested by healthy body weight gain and significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Treatment with Empagliflozin reduced retinal vascular lesions in both Kimba and Akimba mice. Canagliflozin improved body weight gain, reduced blood glucose levels in Akimba mice, and reduced the development of retinal vascular lesions in Kimba mice. Our data demonstrates that Empagliflozin has future potential as a therapeutic for Retinopathy and DR and should now be considered for human trials.

Fat and fat-free mass as important determinants of body composition assessment in relation to sarcopenic obesity.

Fat and fat-free/muscle mass and their ratio reflecting the possible presence of obesity or sarcopenic obesity are important in assessing body composition. The aim of the work was to assess the use of fat and fat-free mass and their ratio in the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity, as well as correlations with selected anthropometric, somatic and biochemical parameters and indices. The object of the study was a group of 201 women (20-68 aged) randomly selected from the population without the presence of a serious disease or without the use of medication. Body composition was assessed by the MFBIA method (InBody 720). We used the ratio of fat to fat-free mass (FM/FFM) to define sarcopenic obesity. A Biolis 24i Premium biochemical analyzer was used to determine biochemical parameters. Using FM and FFM values and their mutual ratio, we identified women with a healthy body weight (28.9%), obese women (58.2%) and women with sarcopenic obesity (12.9%). Values of anthropometric parameters (body weight, BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, BAI, FM (kg, %), FMI, VFA, FFM (kg), FFMI, SMM (kg), SMMI, ICW, ECW, TBW, CHC, HC), with the exception of FFM (%), SMM (%) and TBW (%), increased significantly with increasing FM/FFM values, so the highest values were found in subjects with sarcopenic obesity. In the case of biochemical parameters, with increasing FM/FFM values, the values of T-CH, LDL, TAG, GLU, hs-CRP, UA, systolic and diastolic blood pressure also increased, so the highest values were again found in women with sarcopenic obesity. HDL values, on the contrary, decreased. FM/FFM had the strongest positive association with the proportion of fat mass on body weight (r=0.989), then with FMI (r=0.980), FM (r=0.965), VFA (r=0.938), WHtR (r=0.937), BMI (r=0.922), WC (r=0.901. We found the strongest negative association with the proportion of FFM on body weight (r=-0.989), the proportion of total body water (r=-0.988) and the proportion of skeletal muscle mass (r=-0.987). FM/FFM correlates excellently with FM and VFA and can be implemented to diagnose obesity. In order to comprehensively evaluate the state of health and body composition, the proportionality of not only fat, but also fat-free/muscle mass should be analyzed, because it turns out that a negative impact on health and survival is associated not only with an excessive amount of adipose tissue, but also with a lower muscle mass.

Association of BMI with erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional study of men from an andrology clinic.

Abnormal body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the relationship between different BMI categories and the levels of ED severity remains unclear. In the current study, 878 men from the andrology clinic in Central China were recruited. Erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores. Questionnaires included questions about demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, educational status), lifestyle habits (drinking, smoking, sleep time), and medical history. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between ED risk and BMI. The incidence of ED was 53.1%. BMI was significantly higher in men from the ED group than in those from the non-ED group (P = 0.01). Compared with the normal weight group, obese men had a higher risk of ED (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.25-3.14, P = 0.004), even after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.10-2.90, P = 0.02). Moreover, the positive correlation between obesity and moderate/severe ED severity was confirmed by logistic regression analysis (moderate/severe ED, OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.44-5.04, P = 0.002), even after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 2.51 95% CI = 1.24-5.09, P = 0.01). Collectively, our findings indicate a positive correlation between obesity and the risk of moderate/severe ED. Clinicians could pay more attention to moderate/severe ED patients to maintain a healthy body weight to improve erectile function.

Counsellors’ perceived health promoting behaviours for enhancing physical well-being of clients

This study adopts a descriptive survey design to seek for information, opinions and attitudes of the respondents and it is carried out in Anambra state of Nigeria. A total number of 143 counsellors who are willing to participate in the study are selected through accidental sampling technique. The instrument ‘perceived counsellors’ health promoting behaviours for enhancing physical well-being of clients (PCSHPBSFEPWBOCS) developed by the researchers based on the information from the literature reviewed is used for data collections through direct approach distribution. This instrument is validated by three experts. Test re-test was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and the reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. The data collected are analyzed through the use of statistical weighted mean and ranking. Any mean score that is below 2.50 is accepted while any one below a mean score of 2.50 is rejected. The study revealed the following health promoting behaviours: engaging in daily exercise, taking healthy diet, minimizing hazards in the home and workplace, practicing effective hygiene, consumption of limited alcohol and tobacco, having adequate sleep and rest, little intake of salt, sugar and processed foods, adequate hydration, sunlight and fresh air having relaxed mind and maintaining a healthy body weight. The researchers recommend that Government should provide funds in support of the counsellors to educating and training people on promoting healthy behaviours that can enhance their physical well-being. Also, counsellors should increase the awareness on the adoption of these health promoting behaviours through the use of media and public announcements.

Obesity in children with low back pain: implications with imaging phenotypes and opioid use

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLow back pain (LBP) is common in children and adolescents, carrying substantial risk for recurrence and continuation into adulthood. Studies have linked obesity to the development of pediatric LBP; however, its association with lumbar spine degeneration, alignment parameters, and opioid use remains debated. PURPOSEConsidering the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity and LBP and the inherent issues with opioid use, this study aimed to assess the association of obesity with lumbar spine degeneration, spinopelvic alignment, and opioid therapy among pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective study of pediatric patients presenting to a single institute with LBP and no history of spine deformity, tumor, or infection was performed. PATIENT SAMPLEA totasl of 194 patients (mean age: 16.7±2.3 years, 45.3% male) were included, of which 30 (15.5%) were obese. OUTCOME MEASURESPrevalence of imaging phenotypes and opioid use among obese to nonobese pediatric LBP patients. Magnetic resonance and plain radiographic imaging were evaluated for degenerative phenotypes (disc bulging, disc herniation, disc degeneration [DD], high-intensity zones [HIZ], disc narrowing, Schmorl's nodes, endplate phenotypes, Modic changes, spondylolisthesis, and osteophytes). Lumbopelvic parameters including lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI–LL) mismatch were also examined. METHODSDemographic and clinical information was recorded, including use of opioids. The associations between obesity and lumbar phenotypes or opiod use were assessed by multiple regression models. RESULTSBased on multivariate analysis, obesity was significantly associated with the presence of HIZ (adjusted OR: 5.36, 95% CI: 1.30 to 22.09). Further analysis demonstrated obesity (adjusted OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.49 to 10.34) and disc herniation (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.50 to 11.26) were associated with opioid use, independent of duration of symptoms, other potential demographic determinants, and spinopelvic alignment. CONCLUSIONSIn pediatric patients, obesity was found to be significantly associated with HIZs of the lumbar spine, while disc herniation and obesity were associated with opioid use. Spinopelvic alignment parameters did not mitigate any outcome. This study underscores that pediatric obesity increases the risk of developing specific degenerative spine changes and pain severity that may necessitate opioid use, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy body weight in promoting lumbar spine health in the young.

Relationship between nutritional status, anxiety, and depression in hospitalized diabetic patients in Turkey.

Anxiety and depression often coexist in patients with chronic diseases. We evaluated the nutritional status of diabetic patients and its relationship to anxiety and depression. Demographic, clinical information (disease duration, treatment, hospitalization), and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist, and hip circumference) were recorded. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression.Twenty-four hour food diaries were obtained to determine daily energy and nutrient intake. Among the 222 patients in this study, rates of anxiety, depression, and anxious depression were 23.8%, 21.6%, and 12.2%, respectively. Those who skipped medication/insulin doses and did not exercise regularly had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores. Anxiety and depression scores were positively correlated with disease duration, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, and waist/height ratio. Being married, engaging in regular exercise, and increased vitamin B6 were inversely related to anxiety and depression. According to food records, patients with anxiety and depression consumed a higher proportion of energy from dietary carbohydrates. Anxiety and depression scores were negatively related to dietary energy, protein, fat, vitamins (retinol, group B, C, and D), and mineral (K, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Cu) intake. Maintaining healthy body weight, complying with medication/insulin treatment, and engaging in regular exercise may help in the prevention of anxiety and depression in hospitalized diabetic patients in Turkey. Alternatively, anxiety and depression may adversely affect body weight, compliance with treatment, and regular exercise. Prospective studies are needed to determine the direction of causation.

A Strategy for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Guyana: The Guyana Diabetes Risk Score

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) imposes an enormous and mounting burden on global public health systems, especially in developing countries such as Guyana. However, primary prevention of type 2 diabetes can be achieved through organized lifestyle intervention programs for weight loss, increased physical activity and dietary restrictions. Therefore, there is a need to develop local risk stratification tools tailored to the local population to identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from these interventions. Objectives: This study proposes implementing a program for the primary prevention of T2DM in high-risk adults (18 – 55 years) in Guyana. The main objective is to identify adults at high-risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus using a Diabetic Risk Score and to enroll the participants in a lifestyle intervention program. Methods: The health belief model is a theoretical framework that guides health promotion programs by predicting health behaviours. A health promotion campaign will target high-risk adults at local healthcare facilities and across Guyana through television, radio and social media adverts. The health promotion adverts will inform and educate the target population to complete the Guyana Diabetic Risk Score questionnaire. If the score on the Guyana Diabetic Risk Score questionnaire exceeds 50, the participants will be enrolled in a lifestyle intervention program, 'Healthy Me'. Results and Discussion: Minor changes in lifestyle, such as a healthy diet, increased physical activity, and healthy body weight, can reduce diabetes in high-risk adults by over 50%. Conclusions: The Guyana Diabetes Risk Score is a low-cost, non-invasive, practical tool to identify individuals at high risk for T2DM in Guyana. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, T2DM, Guyana Diabetes Risk Score.

Association between birth weight and the risk of chronic kidney disease in men and women: Findings from a large prospective cohort study

AbstractBackgroundThe sex‐specific associations between birth weight and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in life remain controversial. This study aimed to examine the shape of the relationship between birth weight and the risk of CKD in men and women.MethodsA total of 277,252 participants free of CKD at baseline from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) prospective cohort were included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the association between birth weight and the risk of incident CKD with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 11.9 years, we identified 13,030 (4.7%) CKD cases. Compared with normal birth weight (2.5–4.0 kg), low birth weight (LBW, <2.5 kg) was associated with an 11% higher risk of CKD in men (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.11 [95% CI 1.01–1.21]) and a 27% higher risk of CKD in women (HR: 1.27 [1.19–1.36]) (p for interaction = 0.02). High birth weight (HBW, >4.0 kg) was associated with an 11% lower risk of CKD (HR: 0.89 [0.83–0.95]) in men but not in women (HR: 0.96 [0.89–1.04]) (p for interaction = 0.13). Furthermore, the LBW‐CKD association was stronger in obese (HR: 1.28 [1.18–1.39]) than in nonobese participants (HR: 1.16 [1.09–1.24], p for interaction = 0.03).ConclusionsWe found an L‐shaped relationship between birth weight and the risk of CKD in women but a linear shape in men. The LBW‐CKD association was mitigated to some extent by maintaining healthy body weight in adulthood. Our findings support the notion that the CKD risk should be managed from a lifecycle perspective.

Abstract P616: Implementing a Dietary Energy Density Intervention in Preschool Children

Introduction: The preschool years have been identified as a critical time to intervene on energy balance behaviors to halt the progression of obesity. In children, strategies for achieving physical activity recommendations are well established. Less clear are strategies for implementing an optimal dietary approach—one that maintains a healthy body weight and improves diet quality. Energy density (ED), the amount of energy per unit weight of food (kcal/g), may be a promising dietary approach. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that a lower ED dietary approach will lower ED and energy intake and demonstrate better maintenance of body mass index (BMI z-score) than standard dietary recommendations in young children at risk for obesity. Methods: Thirty-six preschool children (3.5±1.1 years; 52.8% female; 52.8% White; 16.7% Hispanic or Latino; BMI percentile 56.8±22.2) and their parent (35.4±6.2 years; 86.1% female; 55.6% White; 13.9% Hispanic or Latino; BMI 38.2±5.4 kg/m 2 ) participated in a 6-month, 14-session, family-based behavioral intervention. Participants were randomized to a low-ED dietary approach (consume ≥10 foods/day with an ED ≤1.0 kcal/g and ≤2 foods/day with an ED ≥ 3.0 kcal/g; LOW-ED), or standard dietary recommendations (meet recommended daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; STANDARD). Both interventions had physical activity goals of 60 minutes/day for children and 150 minutes/week for adults. Dietary and anthropometric assessments occurred at baseline and 6-months. Completer and intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses, with outliers removed, used repeated measures general linear mixed models to examine child change in ED (calculated as both all foods and beverages and food only), kcals, and BMI z-score from baseline to 6 months. Results: ITT analyses showed that the change in ED did not differ between the LOW-ED condition and STANDARD condition when calculated as for foods and beverages (LOW-ED: Δ-0.1 kcal/g vs. STANDARD: Δ+0.1 kcal/g, p = 0.12) or food only (LOW-ED: Δ-0.2 kcal/g vs. STANDARD: Δ+0.1 kcal/g, p = 0.06). There was a significant time by condition interaction with kcals/d decreasing in LOW-ED and increasing in STANDARD over time for completers (LOW-ED: Δ-98 kcals vs. STANDARD: Δ+212 kcals, p = 0.04), but not when using ITT (LOW-ED: Δ+5 kcals vs. STANDARD: Δ+211 kcals, p = 0.09). Under ITT BMI z-score had a main effect of time, with both LOW-ED and STANDARD conditions significantly increasing over time (p=0.03). Conclusion: In conclusion, these data suggest a LOW-ED dietary approach is an alternative way to lower ED and energy intake in young children at risk for obesity.

Obesity-induced immunological effects on the skin.

There is an increasing prevalence of obesity globally. Equally, the significance of maintaining a healthy body weight for maintaining a healthy skin homoeostasis is gaining greater attention. On this background, there is growing evidence of an adverse influence of excess body weight on the immune system, which has a resultant detrimental effect on the functioning of the skin. The presence of obesity appears to intensify various inflammatory skin disorders. These immune-dermatological consequences in the obese occur because of multiple adverse changes in the skin physiology, endocrine imbalance, metabolic deviations, alterations in circulation, skin microbiome and immunological disruptions. The purpose of this article is to highlight the profound impact of increased fat deposition on cutaneous immunology and its role in the pathophysiology of various chronic inflammatory dermatological conditions. Understanding these immunological modulations will aid in developing therapies targeting the specific inflammatory mediators in the management of obesity-associated chronic immunological skin disease.

Pharmacology and non-pharmacology treatment in a way of well controlled childhood asthma

Introduction and purpose: Asthma is a chronic disease of air pathways which is characterized by episodic or persistent reversible airflow obstruction with chronic inflammation of respiratory tract and increased bronchial reactivity. Our aim is to broaden patients’ knowledge concerning suitable diet and exercises which can help in controlling asthma symptoms. Description of the state of knowledge: A diet rich in vegetables and fruit contains a huge amount of fiber and anti-inflammatory flavonoids. introducing plant products into the diet of children with asthma improves parameters such as FEV1, FVC and PEF. Dairy products, on the other hand, are associated with worsening of these parameters and are not recommended for patients with asthma. The aforementioned effects are related to the presence of cow's milk protein and increased activity of interleukin 17. The Western diet being rich in animal fats and low in fiber is not recommended for patients with asthma. This is primarily due to resulting difficulty in maintaining a healthy body weight and the pro-inflammatory properties of animal fats. Conclusions: In light of the impact of a suitable diet on the reduction of asthma symptoms, it is recommended to increase the share of vegetables and fruit in the daily menu of asthmatics and to limit their consumption of animal fats. In addition, young patients are encouraged to undertake physical activity adapted to their individual abilities.

The role of diet in managing menopausal symptoms: Anarrative review.

Menopause is a natural stage that occurs when women stop menstruating, during which many women experience physical and psychological symptoms that can affect their quality of life and ability to work. Dietary modifications and food supplements may be explored by some women as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy, although existing reviews and expert position statements have given this limited consideration. This narrative review summarises the current evidence for dietary patterns, and botanical and food supplements, in the management of common menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms (VMS; hot flushes; night sweats), changes in bodyweight and composition, psychological symptoms (depression; anxiety; cognitive changes), sleep disturbances, joint pain, skin changes and urogenital symptoms. Soy isoflavones may reduce the frequency and/or severity of VMS, although results are inconsistent, and it is unclear whether dietary and supplemental sources have comparable effects. Adopting a healthier dietary pattern may support a healthy bodyweight and benefit VMS. However, evidence suggesting dietary patterns may benefit depression, anxiety, and cognition remains largely observational. While some botanicals, such as black cohosh and St John's Wort, have been reported in some studies to alleviate symptoms (such as VMS and depression), these are not currently recommended due to uncertainty about the appropriate dose and preparation, and potential safety concerns. Evidence for other symptoms is currently too limited to draw conclusions. While further trials at different menopausal stages are needed, adopting a healthier dietary pattern in accordance with dietary guidelines is likely to help support women's health before, during and after the menopausal transition.

Understanding children’s voices about enablers of obesity from a causal attribution’s stance: a vignette study

Objective Childhood obesity is a public health challenge with health, economic and psychosocial consequences. The design of interventions addressing childhood obesity seldom considers children’s perspectives on the topic. Weiner’s causal attribution framework was used to explore children’s perspectives on enablers of obesity. Methods and measures Children (N = 277) responded to a vignette with an open-ended question. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results Children perceived internal, unstable and controllable causes (e.g. dietary intake, self-regulation and emotionality) as the main enablers (76.53%) of obesity, while some (11.91%) highlighted external, unstable and controllable causes (e.g. parent food restrictions). A focus on children with healthy body weight showed that they mentioned more internal, stable and controllable causes for obesity than children with unhealthy body weight/obesity did. The latter mentioned more external, unstable and controllable causes than their counterparts. Conclusions Understanding children’s causal attributions for obesity is expected to deepen our knowledge of obesity enablers and help design interventions matching children’s perspectives.

Relationships for vitamin D with childhood height growth velocity and low bone mineral density risk.

To investigate how serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) affects height growth velocity and the risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) in children. A population-based prospective cohort study. A total of 10 450 participants with complete follow-up records from a cohort were included in the current study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at baseline and 2-year follow-up, and the average of 2-time measurements was used for analysis. Low BMD was defined as calcaneus speed of sound Z-score ≤ -1. The associations of vitamin D with height growth velocity and the risks of incident low BMD were evaluated using adjusted β and risk ratio (RR). After multivariable adjustment, an inverse L-shaped association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and height growth velocity was observed, leveling off up to 40-60 nmol/L. Overall, each 10 nmol/L higher serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 0.15 cm/year higher height growth velocity (P < 0.001) and a 7% decreased risk of low BMD [RR (95%CI): 0.93 (0.87~0.98)]. Compared to those with vitamin D deficiency, participants who had sufficient vitamin D had a 22% lower risk for low BMD [RR(95%CI): 0.78 (0.62~0.98)]. However, no significant associations between vitamin D and the risk of low BMD were found in overweight and obese children. These findings highlight the importance of maintenance of sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations and healthy body weight during childhood in height growth and bone health promotion.

Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health.

Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.