Higher Energy Intake Research Articles

Determination of the relationship between body composition and nutritional habits and chronotype in healthy Turkish adults.

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the relationship between chronotype characteristics, dietary habits, and body composition in 110 adults, of which 75.5% are female, residing in Mersin, Türkiye. Data collection included a descriptive information form, the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for assessing chronotype, a detailed 24-hour dietary record for evaluating dietary intake, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for accurate anthropometric measurements of body composition. The evening types had higher BMI, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, total fat mass, and lower body water ratio than the morning types. Positive correlations were found between sleep duration and body mass index, total fat mass, and fat percentage. The evening types tended to skip breakfast more frequently and had higher energy intake during dinners and snacks. Additionally, the evening types consumed more lipids, carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings suggest that chronotype influences anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, and meal energy distribution. These findings highlight the importance of considering chronotype characteristics to understand how body composition and dietary patterns interact, underscoring the need for customized interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

The Relationship between Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Telomere Length Among US Adults.

The role of dietary macronutrients and energy intake in the aging process has been well-established. However, previous research has mainly focused on the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and individual macronutrients, while the effects of macronutrient composition on LTL remain unclear. This cross-sectional analysis involved 4130 US adults (44.8±17.0years; 51% female) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 1999-2002. A single 24-h dietary recall is used to collect dietary data. The relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and LTL is examined using three-dimensional generalized additive models. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, education, physical activity, BMI, and dietary quality, a three-dimensional association of macronutrient composition with LTL (P=0.02) is revealed. Diets lower in protein (5-10%), higher in carbohydrates (75%), and lower in fat (15-20%) are associated with the longest LTL corresponding to 7.7years of slower biological aging. Diets lowest in protein (5%) and carbohydrate (40%), while highest in dietary fat (55%) are associated with the shortest LTL, corresponding to accelerated biological aging of 4.4years. The associations appeared magnified with higher energy intake. These findings support a complex relationship between dietary macronutrients and biological aging independent of diet quality.

Food portion sizes: trends and drivers in an obesogenic environment.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults has increased worldwide. A strong environmental factor contributing to the obesity epidemic is food portion size (PS). This review evaluates the current evidence linking food PS to obesity, examines the effects of PS on energy intake (EI), and discusses the drivers of food PS selection. The leading causes of the rise in PS include globalisation, intensive farming methods, the impact of World War II, due to shortage of staple foods, and the notion of 'waste not, want not'. Large PS of energy-dense foods may stimulate overconsumption, leading to high EI levels. However, the studies have not shown a cause-and-effect relationship, due to confounding factors. Important mechanisms explaining the attractiveness of larger PS leading to higher EI levels are value for money, portion distortion, labels on food packaging, and tableware. Consumers depend on external rather than internal PS cues to guide consumption, irrespective of satiety levels. Further research is recommended on food consumption patterns to inform policymakers and provide information and insights about changes in diet.

Trends of eating out among males in China and its correlation with nutrition and health during 2000 to 2018

To analyze the trend of eating out among Chinese male adults and explore the association between eating out and dietary nutrition and health. Males aged 18 and above with complete data were selected from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2018. Eating out behavior was defined as having consumption of food prepared outside the home during the three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls period. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze the trend of prevalence of eating out and the energy contribution from eating out foods in males from 2000 to 2018. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the differences in several food and dietary nutrient intakes and nutritional indicators by eating out in 2018. The prevalence of eating out among Chinese male adults increased from 48.49% in 2000 to 57.51% in 2018, showing an increased trend followed by a decreased trend. Males in the 18-29 years old group, urban group, high income group, and high education level group had a higher rate of eating out(P<0.05). The energy contribution from eating out foods increased from 21.80% in 2000 to 28.77% in 2018, showing a slow upward trend. In 2018, the intake of rice, tubers and vegetables was lower in the eating out group, while intake of wheat, fruits, livestock and poultry meat, aquatic products, eggs and milk in eating out group was higher than those in the non-eating out group(P<0.05). The eating out group had a higher intake of energy, fat, protein, cholesterol, calcium, zinc, vitamin B_1 and vitamin B_2 than the non-eating out group(P<0.05). The eating out group had lower levels of systolic blood pressure, HDL-C, blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin than the counterparts. The levels of BMI, waist, body fat percentage, diastolic blood pressure and TG were higher in the eating out group than in the non-eating out group. From 2000 to 2011, the eating out rate of males in China showed an upward trend, and a downward trend after 2011. At the same time, the energy contribution of eating out foods is increasing. Eating out was associated with major food and nutrients intake and indicators of nutritional status in male adults.

The Fully Understanding Eating and Lifestyle Behaviors (FUEL) trial: Protocol for a cohort study harnessing digital health tools to phenotype dietary non-adherence behaviors during lifestyle intervention.

Lifestyle intervention can produce clinically significant weight loss and reduced disease risk/severity for many individuals with overweight/obesity. Dietary lapses, instances of non-adherence to the recommended dietary goal(s) in lifestyle intervention, are associated with less weight loss and higher energy intake. There are distinct "types" of dietary lapse (e.g., eating an off-plan food, eating a larger portion), and behavioral, psychosocial, and contextual mechanisms may differ across dietary lapse types. Some lapse types also appear to impact weight more than others. Elucidating clear lapse types thus has potential for understanding and improving adherence to lifestyle intervention. This 18-month observational cohort study will use real-time digital assessment tools within a multi-level factor analysis framework to uncover "lapse phenotypes" and understand their impact on clinical outcomes. Adults with overweight/obesity (n = 150) will participate in a 12-month online lifestyle intervention and 6-month weight loss maintenance period. Participants will complete 14-day lapse phenotyping assessment periods at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months in which smartphone surveys, wearable devices, and geolocation will assess dietary lapses and relevant phenotyping characteristics. Energy intake (via 24-h dietary recall) and weight will be collected at each assessment period. This trial is ongoing; data collection began on 31 October 2022 and is scheduled to complete by February 2027. Results will inform novel precision tools to improve dietary adherence in lifestyle intervention, and support updated theoretical models of adherence behavior. Additionally, these phenotyping methods can likely be leveraged to better understand non-adherence to other health behavior interventions. This study was prospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05562427.

Nutrition and dietary intake of adolescent girls in Indonesia: A systematic review

Adequate food and nutrient intake in adolescence is key to optimising adolescent nutritional status. Previous systematic studies that have been conducted on adolescents have generally found that Indonesian adolescents consume inadequate amounts of protein, fruits and vegetables. Aim of this study was to analyse most recent nutritional status in Indonesian adolescent girls analysed by region (urban-rural). The study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Two hundred thirty-nine articles were found, then 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and narrative analysis. Articles were assessed against a critical appraisal tool. Adolescent girls had varied energy and macronutrient intakes of calories (908.25 - 2125 kcal), protein (24.16 - 55.7 g), fat (21.89 - 64.29 g), carbohydrate (128.89 - 258.6 g) and fibre (3.88 - 4.9 g). The intake of adolescent girls based on residents (urban and rural) was found to be different. Urban adolescents had higher energy intake (1398.77 - 1815.57 kcal) with protein (41.42 - 80.81 g), fat (64.29 g) and carbohydrate (231.26 g). Rural adolescents had energy intake (1250.2 - 1365.8 kcal) with protein (36.21 - 65.42 g), fat (46.49 g) and carbohydrate (207.15 g). Micronutrient intake of adolescent girls found iron 2.64 mg, zinc 2.09 mg and vitamin C 71.75 mg intake in urban adolescent girls and 979.65 mg in rural adolescent girls. Snacks and fast food were frequently consumed, with frequency > 4x/week for urban (37.7 % snacks, 98.5 % fast food) and rural (46.2 % snacks, 93.5 % fast food) adolescents. Twenty-eight percent of adolescent girls tended to skip breakfast. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of adolescent girls were less than the nutritional adequacy of 70 % energy, 50 % protein, < 50 % fat and 86 % carbohydrate and were found to differ between adolescent girls in urban and rural areas.

Ishrana kod kritično obolelih odraslih bolesnika

Nutrition is a crucial component of critically ill patients' treatment. The key questions to address are when to initiate nutrition therapy, how to determine the optimal route, the appropriate amounts of macro and micronutrients, and the precise energy requirements for each patient. Critical illness has three phases: early period (previously "ebb phase") lasting 1-2 days; late period (previously "flow" phase) lasting for 3-7 days; late phase (Phase Rehabilitation or Chronic Phase). Each of the above-mentioned phases has its characteristics. During the first phase, severe catabolism is increased, and it gradually proceeds to anabolism during the following 3 to 4 days. The recommendations for critically ill patients' nutrition have been formed based on these phases. Early nutrition therapy, especially early parenteral nutrition with high energy and protein intake, should be avoided in the first three days of critical illness. Reaching the nutritional goal should be initiated only 3 to 4 days upon the onset of critical illness. According to ESPEN recommendations, daily calorie intake should be initiated at 20-25 kcal/ kg/day, while daily protein intake should be initiated at 0.8g/kg/day with a gradual increase to 1.3 g/kg/day. On the other hand, ASPEN recommends 12-25kcal/kg/day of daily calorie intake with daily protein intake at 1.2-2 g/kg/day. The optimal route of feeding is enteral whenever possible. Alternatively, parenteral route should be used. Indirect calorimetry serves as a basis for determining nutritional needs in critically ill patients. Conclusion: Nutritional therapy is essential for critically ill patients. Nutrition should be obtained through enteral route whenever possible. Energy and protein intake should be gradually introduced in critically ill patients' treatment. Nutritional therapy prescription should be adapted to the patients' needs.

Association between doubly labelled water-calibrated energy intake and objectively measured physical activity with mortality risk in older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity or biomarker-calibrated energy intake (EI) alone is associated with mortality in older adults; the interaction relationship between the combined use of both factors and mortality has not been examined. We evaluated the relationship between mortality and calibrated EI and step counts in older adults.MethodsThis prospective study included 4,159 adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the Kyoto-Kameoka study in Japan and wore a triaxial accelerometer between 1 April and 15 November 2013. The calibrated EI was calculated based on a previously developed equation using EI biomarkers. The step count was obtained from the accelerometer ≥ 4 days. Participants were classified into the following four groups: low EI (LEI)/low step counts (LSC) group (EI: <2,400 kcal/day in men and <1,900 kcal/day in women; steps: <5,000 /day), n = 1,352; high EI (HEI)/LSC group (EI: ≥2,400 kcal/day in men and ≥1,900 kcal/day in women; steps: <5,000 /day), n = 1,586; LEI/high step counts (HSC) group (EI: <2,400 kcal/day in men and < 1,900 kcal/day in women; steps: ≥5,000 /day), n = 471; and HEI/HSC group (EI: ≥2,400 kcal/day in men and ≥1,900 kcal/day in women; steps: ≥5,000 /day), n = 750. Mortality-related data were collected until 30 November 2016. We performed a multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 3.38 years (14,046 person-years), and 111 mortalities were recorded. After adjusting for confounders, the HEI/HSC group had the lowest all-cause mortality rate compared to other groups (LEI/LSC: reference; HEI/LSC: hazard ratio [HR]: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–1.23; LEI/HSC: HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.29–1.19; and HEI/HSC: HR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01–0.76). No significant interaction was observed between the calibrated EI and steps with mortality. The spline model showed that 35–42 kcal/100 steps/day of EI/100 steps was associated with the lowest mortality risk.ConclusionsHR mortality risk was lowest at 35–42 kcal/100 steps/day, suggesting that very high (≥56 kcal) or low (<28 kcal) EI/100 steps are not inversely associated with mortality. Adherence to optimal EI and adequate physical activity may provide sufficient energy balance to explain the inverse association with mortality among older Japanese adults.

THE U-SHAPED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DAILY ENERGY INTAKE AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY IN US ADULTS

Abstract The association between low energy intake and longevity observed in non-human studies has not been confirmed in large-scale human investigations. Therefore, we determined the associations between daily energy intake and all-cause mortality in US adults. We included 33,094 US adults (age&amp;gt;19 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2018). Total energy intake was obtained from 24-hour food recalls and mortality was determined through December 2019 using the National Death Index. Survey-weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate all-cause hazard ratios (HR) across categories of energy intake. HR models were stratified by age, sex, race, and BMI, while controlling for potential covariates. During a median follow-up of 96 months, 4,162 participants died. Low energy intake (&amp;lt; 1,000 kcal/day) was associated with higher mortality (HR=1.53 [95% CI 1.26-1.86]) vs. the reference category (2,000-2,500 kcal/d) independent of age, sex, race, BMI, and income. Similarly, low energy intake was associated with higher mortality risk (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in middle-aged (40-64y) and older (≥65y) adults, men, women, and Whites. We observed the same negative associations between energy intake and mortality in normal-weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), over-weight (25.0-29.9), and obese (≥30.0) individuals (P&amp;lt; 0.05). The only exception was in Blacks, where lower energy intake was associated with lower mortality (HR=0.75 [0.57-0.99]). Higher energy intake (≥4,000 kcal/d) was also associated with higher mortality, though HRs were not significant, except in young (20-39y), women, and normal weight adults. Our result showed a U-shaped relationship between total energy intake and mortality, like the observed relationship between BMI and mortality.

Effect of cultivar, year, and their interaction on nutritional and energy value components in Aronia melanocarpa berries

Aronia melanocarpa has long been known for its small, purple-black, and sweet-bitter berries to which several human health benefits have been attributed. This study aimed to highlight the effect of cultivar, year, and their interaction on the berry level of some components with nutritional and energetic value in two chokeberry cultivars. The study was carried out on ‘Melrom’ and ‘Nero’ chokeberry cultivars, grown under climatic conditions specific to Muntenia region, Romania. Compared to ‘Nero’ cv., dry weight, total soluble solids, and carbohydrates were found in significantly higher quantity in ‘Melrom’ cv. (263.33 g kg-1, 18.02 °Brix, 203.19 g kg-1). Significantly higher energy value and acidity (946.81 kcal kg-1 and 11.40 g malic acid kg-1, respectively) were also determined for ‘Melrom’ cv. Except for total soluble solids for ‘Melrom’ cv., total titratable acidity and total sugar content presented the highest variations between the study years for each of the two cultivars. K was the major mineral, followed by Ca. ‘Nero’ cv. had a higher content of K (2.73 g kg-1) and Zn (0.003 g kg-1) and significantly higher levels of Ca (0.72 g kg-1), Mg (0.35 g kg-1), and P (0.52 g kg-1). Both chokeberry cultivars can be considered as an alternative to complete the daily diet with fiber and minerals without high energy or sugar intake.

Glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate supplementation decreases diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction in mice.

Glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates used as nutraceuticals for diverse applications. We studied the potential of the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate (DS) to counteract the development of diet-induced obesity (DIO) using obesity-prone mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) as a model. Oral DS supplementation protected the animals against HFD-induced increases in whole-body adiposity, visceral fat mass, adipocyte size, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, and pro-inflammatory lipids levels in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the liver, where it largely counteracted the HFD-induced changes in the nonpolar metabolome. Protection against DIO in the DS-supplemented mice occurred despite higher energy intake and appeared to be associated with increased energy expenditure, higher uncoupling protein 1 expression in BAT, decreased BAT "whitening," and an enhanced channeling of fuel substrates toward skeletal muscle. This work is the first preclinical study to examine the anti-obesity activity of DS tested individually in vivo. The results support possible uses of DS as an active component in functional foods/supplements to manage obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

Timing of conceptions in Phayre's leaf monkeys: Energy and phytochemical intake.

Raising offspring imposes energetic costs, especially for female mammals. Consequently, seasons favoring high energy intake and sustained positive energy balance often result in a conception peak. Factors that may weaken this coordinated effect include premature offspring loss and adolescent subfertility. Furthermore, seasonal ingestion of phytochemicals may facilitate conception peaks. We examined these factors and potential benefits of a conception peak (infant survival and interbirth interval) in Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus). Data were collected at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand (78 conceptions). We estimated periods of high energy intake based on fruit and young leaf feeding and via monthly energy intake rates. Phytochemical intake was based on fecal progestin. We examined seasonality (circular statistics and cox proportional hazard models) and compared consequences of timing (infant survival and interbirth intervals, t-test, and Fisher exact test). Conceptions occurred in all months but peaked from May to August. This peak coincided with high fecal progestin rather than presumed positive energy balance. Primipara conceived significantly later than multipara. Neither infant survival nor interbirth intervals were related to the timing of conception. Periods of high energy intake may not exist and would not explain the conception peak in this population. However, the presumed high intake of phytochemicals was tightly linked to the conception peak. Timing conceptions to the peak season did not provide benefits, suggesting that the clustering of conceptions may be a mere by-product of phytochemical intake. To confirm this conclusion, seasonal changes in phytochemical intake and hormone levels need to be studied more directly.

Low Energy Intake Leads to Body Composition and Performance Decrements in a Highly-Trained, Female Athlete: The WANDER (Woman’s Activity and Nutrition during an Extensive Hiking Route) Case Study

Thru-hiking requires high energy intake to support performance and reduce injury risks. Currently, there is limited information on the dietary demands, the practical considerations for optimal nutrient intake, and the negative consequences associated with reduced caloric intakes during a thru-hike, particularly in women. Objective This case study’s purpose was to quantify energy intake vs energy expenditure during a thru-hiker’s trek and assess its relationship to performance and health. Methods A highly trained, female thru-hiker (Age (yrs): 62, Ht (cm): 157, Wt (kg): 53.5, BMI (kg/m2): 21.7, %BF: 26.0) embarked on a 4-month journey through the Pacific Crest Trail, USA. The athlete’s body composition and 3-day diet record were assessed before (PRE) and after the hike (POST). During the hike, she tracked her diet and performance daily and completed a wellness survey each time she reached a town-check point. Data were analyzed for descriptive (weekly averages, means ± SD) and frequency statistics. Results She spent 10 wk (∼70 days) on the trail and hiked 1,506.35 km (26.1 ± 3.2 km/day) with an estimated energy expenditure of ∼2334 ± 351 kcal/day. During the hike, she under consumed calories (1285.3 ± 103 kcal) and dietary carbohydrate (169.5 ± 19.5g), fat (49.7 ± 5.8g), protein (41.9 ± 4.8g; 0.8 g/kg), fiber (11.8 ± 2.1g) and sodium (1642.4 ± 298.6 mg) when compared to ultra-endurance nutrition recommendations. She was unable to complete the trail due to fatigue and anthropometric changes. By POST, she had decreased total mass (PRE: 53.5 kg vs POST: 48.4 kg), BMI (PRE 21.6 vs POST: 19.5), fat-free mass (PRE: 39.6 vs POST: 38.8), and body fat (PRE: 26% vs POST: 19.6%) when compared to PRE. Conclusion Trail-related challenges combined with high energy expenditures led to low nutrient intake which contributed to trail-ending injuries and performance decrements. Research aimed at addressing the barriers associated with thru-hike fueling is needed to identify nutritional opportunities to support hikers’ performance and reduce injury risks.

19 Formulating U.S. Swine Diets in a Time of High Energy Costs

Abstract The cost of dietary energy has greatly increased in the last few years and this trend of historically higher prices is expected to remain in the future. This has led to shifts in diet formulation and a need to reevaluate pig responses to changing dietary energy density. As part of the evaluation, nutritionists should review whether energy loadings for their ingredients are accurate. Is the relative change in dietary energy reflected accurately by changes in feed efficiency? If there is not a 1:1 relationship between dietary energy and feed efficiency, dietary energy is not being accurately represented. Because of the linear relationship between diet energy and feed efficiency, that portion of the economic equation is easy to measure. However, the impact of dietary energy on growth performance is more difficult to predict. Does daily gain increase linearly over the entire range of possible energy levels or, if not, when does it plateau? This relationship must be known or estimated to determine the value of changes in energy density. Furthermore, if alternative ingredients with high fiber content are used, at what point does fiber content prevent pigs from increasing feed intake to maintain energy intake? Another key practical concept with energy is how fast the pig adjusts feed intake to changes in diet energy density. Over the long term, pigs adjust their level of consumption to the energy density of the diet; however, it takes time for pigs to make this adjustment. Thus, in the short term, pigs consume the same amount of total feed resulting in increased energy intake and gain if dietary energy is increased or reduced energy intake if diet energy is reduced. When changing dietary energy, the lysine:calorie ratio and phosphorus:calorie ratio should be adjusted to maintain proper amino acid and phosphorus intake to support optimum growth. The high cost of energy has increased the search for other methods to increase pig performance. The ratios of several key amino acids to Lys should be reviewed to take advantage of their impact on feed intake (e.g., Trp, Val, etc). From a practical standpoint, the rise in energy costs has led to the removal of added fat from most pig diets unless essential to maintain pellet quality. Alternative ingredients are being used wherever economical. The use of lower energy diets has also highlighted the importance of genetic improvement, health status, weaning age, and feeder design to allow for high energy intake and resulting growth rates to achieve market weights within space constraints in modern production systems.

Ultra-processed food consumption, nutrition quality, and obesity prevalence in Israel

Abstract Obesity is associated with chronic disease and burdens individuals and health systems heavily. Obesity prevalence has increased globally in recent decades. Concurrently, consumption of natural and home-prepared foods has decreased while that of industrial and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that may play a role in obesity etiology, has increased. Our aim was to assess the extent of UPF consumption, nutrition quality and obesity prevalence in Israel, using data from a cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition survey conducted in 2014-16 on a representative sample of 25-64Y individuals who were face-to-face interviewed and anthropometrically measured. Participants reported 24h dietary intake. Consumed foods were coded into 4 groups based on the NOVA method which classifies foods by their level of processing, from unprocessed foods to UPFs. Obesity prevalence was determined by body mass index (≥30Kg/m2), relative fat mass and waist circumference. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to assess associations between UPFs consumption and obesity prevalence. In 2,563 participants (mean age=42.2±11.1Y, 46.8% males), average UPFs consumption was 34.5% of total energy intake. Highest quartile of UPFs consumption was associated with younger age (p = 0.0015), lower physical activity (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and current smoking (p = 0.0162). High consumption of UPFs was significantly associated with higher intake of energy, carbohydrates, saturated fat, and thiamin, and lower intake of protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin B12, Vitamin C, zinc and total fats. No association was found between UPFs consumption and obesity prevalence. In conclusion, high consumption of UPFs is associated with higher likeliness of unhealthy behaviors and lower nutrition quality in 25-64Y Israeli individuals. No association was found between UPFs consumption and obesity prevalence. Key messages • Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with lower nutrition quality. • Consumption of ultra-processed foods was not associated with obesity prevalence.

The Relationship between Dietary Intake and Adiposity in South African Female Adolescents: A Systematic Review

The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in developing nations over the past decade, particularly among adolescent girls. To assess the scale of this epidemic among female adolescents in South Africa, a systematic review was undertaken to investigate the connection between diet and obesity. Multiple databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies investigating the associations between diet and various adiposity indices as outcomes. Of the 56 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants spanned from 11 to 21 years. Tabulation was used to report the data, study by study. The consumption of nutrients from animal sources exhibited a positive correlation with higher BMI-for-age Z scores (p = 0.02). Eating habits such as sporadic family meals (p ≤ 0.02), irregular breakfast consumption (p ≤ 0.05), and a high energy intake derived from fat were linked to an increased risk of adiposity. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and residential location revealed associations with certain dietary intakes and adiposity. As more studies identify the causative role of diet in obesity, there is an urgent need for policy intervention and strategies to address the growing non-communicable disease burden in South Africa.

Higher energy consumption in the evening is associated with increased odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome: findings from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (7th KNHANES).

Chrono-nutrition emphasizes meal timing in preventing obesity and metabolic disorders. This study explores the impact of temporal dietary patterns (TDPs) on obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults aged 20 years to 65 years. We utilized dynamic time warping method and Kernel k-means clustering to investigate diet quality and the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity and MetS with different TDPs using data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were divided into three groups based on relative energy intake over 24 hours. After adjusting for age and gender, Cluster 3 (with the highest proportion of energy intake in the evening) had the lowest Healthy Eating Index scores compared to other clusters. Following adjustment for key covariates, Cluster 3 showed the highest values for body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Compared to Cluster 1 (with a lower proportion of energy intake in the evening), Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 had ORs for obesity of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 1.30) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.37), respectively. For MetS, the ORs were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.48) and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.61) when comparing Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 to Cluster 1. This study reveals that individuals with higher energy intake in the evening have increased odds of obesity and MetS, even after adjusting for major covariates, including age and total energy intake.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Artificially Sweetened Beverages Consumption and the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are fast becoming the most common chronic liver disease and are often preventable with healthy dietary habits and weight management. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with obesity and NAFLD. However, the impact of different types of SSBs, including artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), is not clear after controlling for total sugar intake and total caloric intake. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the consumption of different SSBs and the risk of NAFLD and NASH in US adults. The representativeness of 3739 US adults aged ≥20 years old who had completed 24 h dietary recall interviews and measurements, including dietary, SSBs, smoking, physical activity, and liver stiffness measurements, were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020 surveys. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and weighted logistic regression models were utilized for analyses. The prevalence of NASH was 20.5%, and that of NAFLD (defined without NASH) was 32.7% of US. adults. We observed a higher prevalence of NASH/NAFLD in men, Mexican-Americans, individuals with sugar intake from SSBs, light-moderate alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, higher energy intake, obesity, and medical comorbidities. Heavy sugar consumption through SSBs was significantly associated with NAFLD (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.05-2.45). In addition, the intake of ASBs only (compared to the non-SSB category) was significantly associated with NAFLD (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.04-3.05), after adjusting for demographic, risk behaviors, and body mass index. A higher sugar intake from SSBs and exclusive ASB intake are both associated with the risk of NAFLD.

Bempedoic Acid Unveils Therapeutic Potential in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Suppression of the Hepatic PXR-SLC13A5/ACLY Signaling Axis.

The hepatic SLC13A5/SLC25A1-ATP-dependent citrate lyase (ACLY) signaling pathway, responsible for maintaining the citrate homeostasis, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Bempedoic acid (BA), an ACLY inhibitor commonly used for managing hypercholesterolemia, has shown promising results in addressing hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationships in processes of hepatic lipogenesis among SLC13A5, SLC25A1, and ACLY and to examine the therapeutic potential of BA in NAFLD, providing insights into its underlying mechanism. In murine primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells, the silencing or pharmacological inhibition of SLC25A1/ACLY resulted in significant upregulation of SLC13A5 transcription and activity. This increase in SLC13A5 activity subsequently led to enhanced lipogenesis, indicating a compensatory role of SLC13A5 when the SLC25A1/ACLY pathway was inhibited. However, BA effectively counteracted this upregulation, reduced lipid accumulation, and ameliorated various biomarkers of NAFLD. The disease-modifying effects of BA were further confirmed in NAFLD mice. Mechanistic investigations revealed that BA could reverse the elevated transcription levels of SLC13A5 and ACLY, and the subsequent lipogenesis induced by PXR activation in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, this effect was diminished when PXR was knocked down, suggesting the involvement of the hepatic PXR-SLC13A5/ACLY signaling axis in the mechanism of BA action. In conclusion, SLC13A5-mediated extracellular citrate influx emerges as an alternative pathway to SLC25A1/ACLY in the regulation of lipogenesis in hepatocytes, BA exhibits therapeutic potential in NAFLD by suppressing the hepatic PXR-SLC13A5/ACLY signaling axis, while PXR, a key regulator in drug metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work describes that bempedoic acid, an ATP-dependent citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitor, ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation and various hallmarks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Suppression of hepatic SLC25A1-ACLY pathway upregulates SLC13A5 transcription, which in turn activates extracellular citrate influx and the subsequent DNL. Whereas in hepatocytes or the liver tissue challenged with high energy intake, bempedoic acid reverses compensatory activation of SLC13A5 via modulating the hepatic PXR-SLC13A5/ACLY axis, thereby simultaneously downregulating SLC13A5 and ACLY.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Physical Activity, Dietary Habits, Mental Status, Social Status, Health Behavior, and Obesity Phenotypes in Korean Adolescents: 2016-2021.

Environmental factors play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents. We analyzed the impact of physical activity (PA), dietary habits, and mental and socioeconomic status on MetS prevalence in 2143 (boys: 1113, girls: 1030, age: 13-18 years) Korean middle- and high-school students. Metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy normal weight were also evaluated. MetS occurred in 215 participants (10.0%), and boys had a higher MetS rate than girls. There was no significant difference in alcohol consumption and smoking experience between individuals with and those without MetS. The odds ratio (OR) for high-school students was 1.33 (95%CI, 1.001-1.789, p = 0.043) times that of middle-school students. Depression, low aerobic PA, and high sedentary time increased the ORs to 1.64 (95%CI, 1.059-2.539, p = 0.020), 1.52 (95%CI, 1.092-2.203, p = 0.003), and 1.86 (95%CI, 1.342-2.587, p < 0.001), respectively. Higher energy intake and low weekly breakfast consumption frequency yielded ORs of 1.46 (95%CI, 1.046-2.555, p = 0.025) and 1.70 (95%CI, 1.244-2.339, p = 0.011), respectively. Strength training, stress, suicidal ideation, dining out frequency, and household income did not impact MetS prevalence. Despite obesity, MetS decreased by 29.7% with high aerobic PA and 37.9% with high weekly breakfast consumption frequency. In conclusion, MetS risk was higher for men, individuals with depression, and high-school students. Low aerobic activity, high calorie intake, and low weekly breakfast consumption frequency increased MetS risk. Despite obesity, high aerobic activity, low sedentary time, and breakfast consumption was associated with lower MetS risk.